/BltKILfY 

LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OP 
VCAtlFORNIA 


MY  VALUED  RUBY 


POEMS 

BY 

PERRY  HONCE  McGEE 


WASHINGTON,   PENNSYLVANIA 

1920 
Copyright  1920.    Perry  Honce  McGee 


LOAN  STAGS 


PERRY  HONCE  McGEE 


MRS.  RUBY  MONTROSE  McGEE 


DEDICATION 


With  love  and  hope, 

To  bring  the  day  foresighted, 

I  dedicate  this  book  to  my  race. 

— Perry  Honce  McGee 


.* 


hxo 

CONTENTS 


Page 

A  BLOT  ON  LOVE 33 

A  DIFFERENCE 56 

A   DROOPING  ROSE 26 

AFTER  DE  TOUN  HALL  SUPPER 13 

A    FROSTY    MORN 20 

A  GENIUS  89 

A  LIFELONG  HAPPINESS 7 

ALL 47 

ALWAYS    47 

A  POET'S  WIFE 19 

A  POET'S  DARK  DAY 51 

A   POET'S   POWER 53 

A   PHOTO    73 

A  POET'S   PIER 75 

A  POET'S  THOUGHTS 54 

A    QUESTION 29 

A  SAILOR'S  FATE  87 

A  SHADOW  ON  THE  BEAUTY  OF  LIFE 43 

A    SMILE    61 

A  SONG  OF  A  BROKEN  HEART 50 

A   SPARK  OF  LOVE 22 

AT  EVE  88 

A  THOUGHT  WE  SHOULD  HAVE 89 

A  VISION  FROM  THE  FIRESIDE 78 

BEAUTY  AND  UGLY 76 

BECKER'S  JEALOUSY 26 

BREATH  OF  LOVE 46 

CUPID    88 

CREATION     82 

DEFENSE    2 

DE   GOLDEN   Cow 34 

DEMOCRACY    45 

DREAM  OF  BYGONES 63 

DARLING  EDNA  MAY 85 

EASTER  GREETING   56 

EASTER  ROSES 23 

EIGHT  NOBLEMEN 5 

E'ER  JANUWAH  DE  2 .  12 


149 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


Page 

EVE  DROPPER   69 

EYES    23 

FADED   LOVE   48 

FATE   AND   TIME 12 

FOR  A  WHILE 67 

FOR  MY  HEART 89 

GINGER  BAY  OUTING 10 

GOOD  FATE  73 

GOOD    SPIRIT 52 

GRAY   EYES    36 

GRAY    HEADS 31 

HAPPY  AND  SORROW , 43 

HER  SOLEMN  THOUGHTS 31 

HERE  AND  THERE 84 

His   LAST   HOUR 70 

HIDDEN  THOUGHTS   55 

HEARTS  THAT  ARE  TRUE 68 

HUMIN  TO  DE  AIR 83 

IDLENESS    42 

IF   I   DARE 71 

IN  AN  ALL  OLD  ROSE 40 

IN  MY  THOUGHTS  OF  You 83 

INCH   BY   INCH 28 

JUST  AN  IRISHMAN'S  WAY 38 

JUST  Now   72 

JUST  TO  REMIND  You 79 

LOVE  DREAM    57 

LOVE'S  REFLECTIONS  41 

LOVE'S    PRECAUTION 3 

LIFE  PLAIN  AS  DAY 65 

LAZY    MULE 24 

LIEUTENANT   RUFF 16 

LIFE'S   PRETTY   WAY 86 

MEMORIES 35 

MILDRED    AND    MARIE 57 

MOTHER'S   DAY    62 

MR.    FINK 30 

MY  DAILY  PRAYER 59 

MY  DEAR  BELOVED  MOTHER 70 

MY  DEAREST  DARLING  RUBY 84 

MY  DREAM 87 

MY    HEAVENLY    THOUGHTS .   74 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


Page 

MY   LIKES    60 

MY  LITTLE  GIRL 19 

MY  LOVE  FOR  You 68 

MY  LOVE    69 

MY  RUBY  MONTROSE 76 

MY  RUBY  MONTROSE 6 

MY  SHIP  OF  THOUGHTS 81 

MY  THOUGHTS  OF  IT 89 

MY   THOUGHTS  OF  You 52 

MY  VIEW  66 

MY  WIFE 10 

MY  WILL   39 

NATURE    44 

NATURAL  BORN  COLORED  MAN 33 

OFTEN   TOLD    38 

OLEGRIA    40 

ONE  SAD  MORN 65 

ONE'S  NEXT  BEST  FRIEND 82 

ONE  SWEET  DREAM 85 

ON   SUNDAY  MORN 18 

ON  THE  SUNNY  SIDE  OF  LIFE 4 

PICNIC  DAY 36 

RAS   BAYLEM'S  SPEECH 86 

ROUGH  ROAD 53 

ROUND  BY  ROUND 89 

SADNESS    58 

SHE  SAID.    THEN  HE  SAID  THE  REST 88 

SIE  RANKENS  AND  His  WIFE  Lizz 15 

SIXTY-ONE    77 

SPRING'S    EASTER    LILY 80 

SPRINGTIME    74 

SUMMER    Is   GONE 42 

THE   BATTLE   OF   HEARTS 79 

THE  BEE  AND  THE  ROSE 55 

THE  BIRDS  THAT  SING  TO  ME 62 

THE  BLESSING  OF  GOD 77 

THE  BREATH  OF  A  ROSE 49 

THE    CONVICT    46 

THE  DEATH  OF  MRS.  WORMSLEY 22 

THE  END  OF  LIFE 50 

THE  EVILS  OF  ALCOHOL 8 

THE   FADING  ROSES .   66 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


Page 

THE  LITTLE  TOE  DANCER 20 

THE  PARSON'S  RESOLUTION 17 

THE  PLACE  WHERE  LITTLE  MARY  LIVES 28 

THE  PLUCK  OF  A  POET 64 

THE  STAR  OF  LIBERIA 1 

THE   SHAWL  OF   SIN 44 

THE   SINKING   SHIP 80 

THE  SOUL  OF  A  BUD 81 

THE   SUNSHINE  OF   YESTERDAY 9 

THE  THOUGHT  OF  A  CHILD 89 

THE  THOUGHT  OF  A  HUSBAND 59 

THE  VOICE  OF  A  ROSE 72 

THE    WILD    ROSE 49 

THERE    MUST   BE 58 

THORNY  LOVE    78 

THROUGH   THE   MILL 25 

TOAST 18 

To  ALL  : 60 

To    REMIND   You 79 

TRUE   88 

THUELET  27 

UNACQUAINTED    61 

VIOLET   AND   You 39 

WHAT  WE  OUGHT  TO  KNOW 14 

WHAT   WE    GET 54 

WHENE'ER    CONSCIENCE    SPEAKS 63 

WELCOME  SPRING  75 

WHERE  THE  SUN  NE'ER  KISSED 48 

YOUR  EYES  AND  MY  EYES 32 

You   ARE    .35 


MY  VALUED  RUBY 


THE  STAR  OF  LIBERIA 

Oh !  my  mighty  love,  for  my  people,  friends, 

But  there's  a  certain  class  of  us  that  our  minds  doesn't 

blend, 
Though  we've  fought  many  a  battle  and  it  seems  we've 

always  won, 
But  we'll  be  greater  when  the  "Star  of  Liberia"  shines  like 

the  sun. 
I  have  sat  and  dreamed  and  to  come  there's  a  brighter 

day, 
But  if  our  race  pride's  weak,  and  we  have  no  love,  just 

when  I'm  afraid  to  say. 

You  pattern  after  the  white  man  in  every  way  but  one, 
And  that's  why  the  "Star  of  Liberia"  cannot  shine  like 

the  sun. 
We  must  learn  to  pull  together,  because  animals  know 

that  much, 
For  when  we  seesaw  back  and  forth  into  our  future  it 

puts  a  clutch. 

This  must  be  stopped  or  our  defeat  will  be  like  the  Huns, 
And  it  keeps  the  "Star  of  Liberia"  from  shining  like  the 

sun. 

I  see  a  ship  on  the  ocean  at  a  distance  of  a  thousand  miles 
And  it's  flying  a  flag  of  a  people  that  will  be  prominent 

afterwhile. 

There's  a  tiny  bit  of  a  star  that's  causing  that  flag  to  fly, 
But  with  a  close  observation  it  can  be  seen  with  the 

natural  eye. 

We  must  love  this  flag  above  all  things  we've  done, 
For  it  holds  the  "Star  of  Liberia"  that's  going  to  shine  like 

the  sun. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY 


This  ship  has  good  omen  and  a  cloudy  day  there's  none, 
Then  why  keep  the  "Star  of  Liberia"  from  shining  like  the 

sun. 

We  know  she's  cruised  the  ocean  for  fifty  years  or  more, 
But  as  soon  as  we  pull  together  she  will  land  on  the 

American  shores. 


DEFENSE 

Colored  men  stop  your  marriages 

To  women  of  the  other  race, 

Quit  breaking  the  hearts  of  our  goodly  women 

And  bringing  them  a  shameful  face, 

Why  are  some  of  us  thoughtless 

Upon  things  along  this  line, 

Why  when  you  go  out  of  this  race  to  marry 

You  leave  women  just  as  fine. 

Now  colored  men  I'm  pleading  this  case 

For  our  worthy  colored  girls 

And  trying  to  stop  this  awful  horror 

That's  passing  through  this  world. 

Where  do  you  find  other  women 

That  will  be  yoked  along  you're  side, 

To  help  you  sail  life's  rough  ocean, 

No  matter  how  rigid  the  tide. 

They  go  with  you  through  thick  and  thin, 

Down  on  their  knees  upon  kitchen  floors, 

And  in  wash  tubs  they  tirelessly  bend 

Just  to  help  climb  the  ladder  of  fame. 

Then  could  you  discard  an  honest  soul 

That  another  race  may  honor  your  name  ? 

Now  God  in  heaven  wrote 

This  humble  oration, 

That  we  may  form  a  grand 

And  noble  nation. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY 


LOVE'S  PRECAUTION 

Trespass  not 

Upon  two  hearts  that  love, 
Your  penalty's  imposed, 
Ry  the  Savior  above. 

This  tiny  little  link 

That  connects  two  hearts, 

With  the  watchword, 

That  no  one  should  tear  apart. 

Think  some  day 
It  may  be  you, 
Then  read  this  poem 
'Twill  tell  more  true. 

It  will  explain  my  mind 
Just  as  I  write, 
And  the  sorrow  that  hangs, 
O'er  me  tonight. 

I'm  driven  away  from  the  one  that  held  me 
The  smooth  love,  on  the  roughest  sea, 
Now  this  is  a  teaching 
To  us  one  and  all, 

That  true  love  grows 
Summer,  winter,  and  fall. 
Through  sunshine  and  showers, 
In  gardens  of  Mayflowers. 

And  o'er  the  desert  land 
No  distance  can  break  it. 
'Tis  found  as  we  make  it, 
True  love  for  ever,  stands. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY 


ON  THE  SUNNY  SIDE  OF  LIFE 

There's  only  one  way 
That  we're  to  abide 
Then  the  way  to  success, 
Is  very  wide 
On  the  sunny  side  of  life. 

Each  moment  in  the  day 
We  should  wear  a  smile, 
It  brings  so-called  good  luck 
And  it's  really  worth  while 
On  the  sunny  side  of  life. 

The  roses  that  bloom, 

That  scents  the  air 

No  place  they  grow 

And  look  more  fair 

Than  on  the  sunny  side  of  life. 

If  we  live  right 

And  omit  all  sin, 

Our  days  will  be  bright 

From  the  beginning  to  the  end 

On  the  sunny  side  of  life. 

Even  all  the  joy,  and  happiness  too, 
With  God's  heavenly  blessings, 
For  our  deeds,  kind  and  true, 
Is  on  the  sunny  side  of  life. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY 


EIGHT  NOBLEMEN 

Above  my  bed 
Hangs  eight  noble  heads, 
With  love,  might  and  grace, 
They  brought  honor  to  their  race. 

Dunbar  could  take  you 
To  a  land  of  beauty;  it  seems 
And  shine  the  light  upon  nature 
To  let  you  read  his  poetical  dreams.* 

Douglass  as  a  statesman 
Thronged  the  whole  wide  world, 
And  always  in  our  memory 
He'll  shine  just  like  a  pearl. 

Attuck's  patriotism 

For  the  land  of  the  noble  and  free, 

God  bless  him  on  his  way, 

And  strengthen  his  mind  with  such  decree. 

Taylor,  the  lovely  musician, 
Rhythmically  to  you  could  bring 
The  sweetness  in  his  music 
Was  like  the  bird  that  sings. 

Tanner  showed  his  art, 

When  fate  painted  his  heart. 

He  traveled  in  a  whirl 

And  works  exhibited  to  the  world. 

Dumas, 

The  author, 

Showed  his  fame, 

And  down  the  honor  roll 

We  should  always  find  his  name. 

Washington,  the  humble  but  famous  Booker  T. 

Had  many  ups  and  downs, 

Though  hardship  he  never  feared, 

And  from  the  cruel  world  he  gained  a  crown. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY 


MY  RUBY  MONTROSE 

Down  in  Illinois  around  among  the  boys 

I  never  had  a  chance  to  go  to  school, 

For  there  was  my  dear  mother  and  little  invalid  brother 

And  I  was  their  support  as  a  rule. 

But  soon  come  the  end  to  pass  them  on  high 

There  hung  saddest  memories  to  the  old  home  was  good 
bye, 

Then  with  all  m$r  ups  and  downs,  there's  one  true  friend 
I  found. 

While  I  sit  a  dreaming  of  the  bygone  days 

Then  a  hidden  voice  did  swell,  saying  I'll  teach  you  how 
to  spell, 

For  there's  a  tender  meaning  for  each  letter  in  my  name. 

CHORUS 

R — is  for  the  right,  I'll  try  to  teach  you  my  boy. 
U — means  the  union  that  our  hearts  will  enjoy. 
B — is  used  in  blotting  sorrow's  memory,  too. 
Y — is  that  your  yearning  heart  will  always  be  true. 
M — is  for  the  million  times  you  wanted  to  go  to  school. 
O — shows  how  this  old  world  treats  when  mother's  lying 

cool. 

N — is  for  my  natural  love  to  you  I  plainly  give. 
T — is  just  to  teach  us  how  to  love  and  live. 
The  placing  of  these  letters  tells  how  the  story  goes. 
And  the  only  name  I  love  and  spell  is  my  Ruby  Montrose. 

All  through  life  you'll  be  like  a  pearl  to  me, 

Just  to  have  and  hold  you  for  my  own; 

With  tender  love,  so  great,  then  our  lives  I  will  relate, 

And  dream  of  you  my  dear  when  I'm  alone. 

Nights  I'll  always  pray  that  you  may  see  the  day 

When  you  won't  be  afraid  to  spell  your  name. 

We'll  study  night  and  day,  this  will  help  you  on  your  way, 

And  relieve  your  tender  heart  of  its  bashful  pain. 

To  me  then  came  my  trial  and  it  seemed  if  heaven  smiled 

On  those  dear  sweet  letters  that  spells  her  name. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY 


A  LIFELONG  HAPPINESS 

Time  promised  me 

Some  day  to  unfold 

A  lifelong  happiness 

Bound  with  a  goal. 

I'm  patiently  awaiting 

Along  the  way, 

Attentive  as  a  child 

At  its  daily  play. 

My  heart  ne'er  chills 

From  the  long  winter's  cold. 

It's  wanting  that  happiness 

Bound  with  a  goal. 

At  times  I'm  sad 

With  nothing  to  say, 

I  should  be  gay  as  a  rose 

Of  a  bright  summer's  day. 

But  looking  for  the  story 

So  sweet  to  be  told 

Are  you  my  little  happiness 

Bound  with  a  goal? 

If  fate  takes  away 

This  promise  so  dear, 

There'll  be  a  chain 

Of  my  wasted  years. 

Link  by  link 

To  count  and  hold, 

Trying  to  find  my  happiness 

Bound  with  a  goal. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY 


THE  EVILS  OF  ALCOHOL 

Once  more  around  and  I'll  go  home, 

It's  really  a  shame  how  I've  learned  to  roam. 

Oh!  but  what's  the  use?  I've  got  a  good  excuse 

That  outnumber  the  bubbles  in  this  glass. 

Ah,  ah,  ah,  ah,  drink  up,  boys,  and  do  it  fast, 

For  with  your  old  pal  it  may  be  the  last. 

You  wonder  why  I  have  this  knife? 

Yes,  I  got  it,  got  it  just  to  kill  my  wife; 

It's  the  only  thing  for  me  to  do, 

Since  fate  brings  about  that  she's  not  true, 

Stop,  oh,  don't  coax  me,  friends, 

You  can  see  I'm  near  my  end. 

Now  you  shoved  me  over  that  chair 

And  I've  seen  the  time  you  wouldn't  dare; 

But  that's  when  bloomed  the  rose  of  my  life 

And  I  had  the  love  of  my  sweet  wife. 

Now  think,  it  was  stolen,  by  a  dirty  cur, 

And  in  my  life  it's  put  a  blur. 

Yes,  I'm  the  guy  that  lives  next  door, 

Where  my  crying  babe  sits  on  the  floor. 

Wait;  I'm  going  to  that  swell  cafe, 

My  wife's  there,  and  lead  astray. 

Ah !  this  is  your  secret  place  to  dine. 

And  for  me,  'twasn't  hard  to  find, 

Why  not  let  me  meet  your  friend? 

He's  beneath  the  notice  of  cultured  men. 

Ah !  that's  the  Italian  that  carried  the  note, 

And  he  would  meet  death  if  I  could  clutch  his  throat. 

Me  no  caree  letter  no  time, 

Me  com  a  dis  a  placa,  drinka  Italiana  wine. 

Shut  up,  don't  you  dare  to  speak, 

You're  part  of  the  cause,  you  dirty  sneak. 

Ah!  and  here's  the  Jew  that  hauled  your  trunk, 

And  the  boat  that  brought  him  over  really  should  have 

sunk. 

Oh !  Meister,  vate,  vate  you  speak  to  me  rongs, 
I  spyed  in  this  yard  an  o'  pair  tongs. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  9 


Who's  that  Chinaman?    I  guess  he  cooked  the  meal, 

And  he  will  land  in  glory  quick  as  I  can  grab  this  steel, 

Woo  Long,  Sing  Lee,  Fong  Low, 

Well,  old  man,  I'll  spare  your  head, 

For  in  that  language  I  don't  know  what  you  said. 

Me  noee  cookee  disee  placee, 

Me  gotee  laundry,  washee  lacee. 

Ask  your  friend  to  buy  me  a  drink; 

Ah !  thanks  old  pal,  but  I  called  you  a  slink. 

What!  is  she  crying, 

She's  thinking  of  our  lives,  that's  very  trying. 

Oh!  now  I  know  just  what  she  sees 

A  once  happy  husband  and  living  good  as  you  please, 

There's  a  painting  in  her  memory,  how  I  hated  drink  and 

gamble ; 
And  how  I  spent  my  evenings  home,  for  I  had  no  mind  to 

ramble. 

Then  along  come  you,  another  suited  man, 
But  she  being  weak,  like  the  most  of  us,  prosperity  she 

couldn't  stand, 
Then  I  took  to  this  drug 
'Cause  it  eased  the  nerves  in  my  head, 
And  ever  since  I've  wished  that  she  and  I  both  were  dead. 
Ah !  let  go  of  my  throat,  don't  let  him,  me  boys, 
Let  go  of  my  throat,  I  tell  you. 
Oh !  mercy, 

There's  my  little  babe,  her  voice  calls, 
But  woman  and  liquor  is  the  cause  of  it  all. 


THE  SUNSHINE  OF  YESTERDAY 

Where  goeth  the  sunshine  of  beautiful  yesterday, 

When  breezes  blew  light  and  all  nature  was  gay. 

Now  the  birds  are  mute  and  refuse  to  sing, 

But  down  twinkles  the  snow  to  make  the  sleigh  bells  ring 

I'll  ask  a  simple  question  of  you  one  and  all, 

Where  goeth  the  sunshine  when  the  snow  begins  to  fall? 


10  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


GINGER  BAY  OUTING 

Hush  your  mouth,  don't  say  a  word, 

Let  me  tell  the  good  news  I  heard. 

There's  going  to  be  an  outing  soon 

Down  where  folks  spend  their  honeymoon. 

Its  given  by  the  Dark  Town  club, 

And  they  serve  chicken  by  the  tub; 

Another  thing  their  music's  grand, 

Drums,  piano,  and  old  tin  pans, 

Get  your  ticket  and  don't  be  late, 

Be  at  the  landing  prompt  at  eight. 

Listen!  listen!  what's  all  that  noise 

Everybody's  going  to  Ginger  Bay. 

There's  old  Raz  Jones  with  his  slide  trombone 

And  you  can  hear  him  play  it  for  miles  away. 

Come  on  boy  we'll  have  some  time, 

There'll  be  lots  of  swell  dancing, 

And  they'll  serve  you  wine, 

And  if  the  boat  begins  to  rock 

Keep  right  on  dancing,  if  you  lose  your  frock, 

Be  careful  what  you  do 

When  you  get  a  drink  or  two. 

And  when  the  boat  pulls  into  land 

Take  your  partner  by  the  hand 

And  waltz  her  off  at  Ginger  Bay. 


MY  WIFE 

My  wife,  oh !  my  wife, 

Was  taught  that  game  of  cooking 

Some  time  early  in  her  life. 

Its  just  as  easy 

For  her  to  cook  a  good  meal 

As  it  is  for  you  to  ride 

In  an  automobile. 

It  seems  that  it's  her  pride 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  11 


To  fix  good  eats, 

Such  as  roast  pork  and  candied  sweet  tatoes, 

And  apple  pies,  she  can't  be  beat. 

I  can  be  so  mad  when  I  walk  in, 

Lips  all  shot  out, 

Hanging  down  on  my  chin, 

But  the  essence  of  that  food 

Says  why  be  thou  so  rude. 

Then  henceforth  and  forever 

May  thy  grin. 

If  you  can  keep  from  smiling 

When  my  wife  makes  apple  pies, 

That's  more  than  I  can  do. 

She  only  makes  that  kind 

That  melts  on  the  tongue 

And  passes  by  the  thorax  so  easy, 

Till  it  makes  the  pallet  hum. 

Telling  the  epiglottis 

That  it  don't  have  to  move 

Cause  in  this  pie  am  plenty  lard 

And  sure  am  short  and  smooth. 

My  Adam's  apple  never  works 

When  I  go  to  swallow; 

All  the  muscles  in  my  neck 

Never  touch  my  collar. 

Then  it  reaches  the  bottom  of  my  heart 

And  sounds  the  tune  of  joy 

And  kills  that  word  O'  Hunger 

When  I'm  penniless  so  often  annoys. 

Now  if  you  can  keep  from  smiling 

When  my  wife  makes  apple  pies 

That's  more  than  I  can  do. 


12  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


E'ER  JANUWAH  DE  2 

E'er  sense  I's  been  bon  things  fo  me  goes  powfull  wrong 

E'er  Januwah  de  2. 
I  sells  my  con  and  lose  a  farm 

E'er  Januwah  de  2. 

Good  old  liggon  I  don't  abuse  but  from  me,  it  seems  to 
oose 

E'er  Januwah  de  2. 

Now  to  drink  is  ganst  my  will,  but  luck  fo  me  pulls  don 
de  hill 

E'er  Januwah  de  2. 

I  puts  my  savins  in  my  trunks,  but  things  fo  me  just  goes 
caflunk 

E'er  Januwah  de  2. 

An  I  married  a  dozen  wives  but  dey  seems  to  lose  dey 
lives 

E'er  Januwah  de  2. 
Den  ever  year  I  have  de  flu  and  seems  to  me  I'll  break  in 

tu 

Leaven  my  bons  dah  to  click 
Wid  dem  awful  rhumaticks 

E'er  Januwah  de  2. 
De  worsted  sorrow  I  ebber  had 
Is  when  mah  swetark  treats  me  bad 

E'er  Januwah  de  2. 


FATE  AND  TIME 

Fate  taken  away  my  world  of  goal 

Time  sees  that  I  grow  old, 

Just  these  two  words,  which  is  time  and  fate, 

Where  art  thou  love,  that  turned  to  hate? 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  13 


AFTER  DE  TOUN  HALL  SUPPER 

Lod  ham  mursy  Mandy,  yo  mis  it  all 

When  you  let  dat  supper  pass  yo  at  de  ole  Toun  Hall. 

Sah,  they  had  one  pison  meal, 

Dat  good  ole  broun  possom  an  sweet  taters,  sush  yo  mouf ! 

Would  upsit  yo  pallet  an'  tickel  yo  heels. 

An  biscuit,  hum,  hum!  don't  talk, 

I  et  so  many  I  could  hardly  walk. 

When  yo'd  bustum  open  an  dah  ginter  to  steam 

An  dat  fresh  country  butter  gist  madum  a  dream. 

And  dey  had  dem  urly  June  peas  dat  was  picked  while 

da's  in  blossom; 
But  wait  tell  I  tolger  bout  dat  gravy  dey  had  roun  dat 

possom. 

It  was  gist  a  real  medium  lite  broun, 
Hum  youm,  youm !  when  dey  rised  de  lid  yo  could  smill  it 

all  ober  toun. 

An  dat  homade  cake  stood  five  layers  hi, 
Mursy!  an  dat  egg-custard,  well,  'twould  almost  make  ye 

cry. 

Den  dey  passed  de  water  mellin  an  ice  kream  on  de  side, 
An'  when  you  backed  away  from  dat  table  yo  sho  was 

satisfied. 

But  you  oder  seen  um  a  pitin  on  airs, 
Ole  Ginn  Jackson  and  Tildia  Blairs, 

When  dey's  asks  tu  et  dey  gaped  like  dey  waned  to  fuse, 
Sain  no  we  thank  yo,  we  don't  carh  fo,  but  to  dat  table  dey 

gin  to  oose. 

Well  sure  yo  woder  almose  bussed  yo  ribs 
When  de  blessen  was  said  by  ole  Joe  Tibs, 
Gist  fo  he  started  he  ginner  a  real  deep  sie. 
And  eber  body  bow  dey  heads,  but  on  dem  biscuits  he 

kept  one  eye, 
Den  he  started,  Good  Lod!  we  turn  thanks  fo  what  bout 

to  cieve, 
But  I  aint  so  buzy  wid  dis  prawh  dat  I  can't  see  dat  sister 

slipen  biscuits  up  her  sleeve.     Amen. 


14  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


WHAT  WE  OUGHT  TO  KNOW 

God  help  a  people  that  really  has  no  flag, 

For  on  their  present  and  future  seems  to  heavily  swag, 

'Tis  that  awful  burden  of  mystery, 

And  oh !  how  painful  that  their  heroism's  ne'er  mentioned 

in  history. 

Then  go  my  brave  people  and  make  one  of  your  own, 
It  will  show  our  mighty  love  and  that  we're  learning  to 

stand  alone. 
For  years  and  years  you've  given  your  sons  to  this  land  of 

the  noble  and  free, 
But  maybe  it'll  go  down  in  this  last  war,  though  others 

we've  failed  to  see, 

Now7  we  have  men  among  us,  men  of  brain  and  might, 
Don't  dream  of  difficulty  a  few  years  back,  for  then  all 

newspapers  were  white. 

Now  why  not  send  our  reporters  on  to  the  battlefield 
And  let  them  follow  our  comrades  so  their  great  deeds 

cannot  be  shield, 

And  when  the  shots  and  shells  are  flying 
Into  the  hearts  of  our  loved  ones  dying 
Then  God  helps  a  people  that  try  to  help  themselves 
That  has  the  right  love  for  each  other  laid  on  memory's 

golden  shelves. 

Just  think  of  our  great  heroes  that  died  that  we  may  live, 
And  think  what  its  stealing  from  our  children  because 

history  fails  to  give. 

I've  even  spoke  of  Honorable  Douglass  to  boys  of  my  race, 
Why  they  would  ask  me  who  was  Douglass  and  amazingly 

look  into  my  face, 

Oh !  this  would  break  my  heart  to  think  of  that  noble  man, 
And  there  are  others  that  should  be  in  all  history  of  the 

land. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  15 


SIE  RANKENS  AND  HIS  WIFE  LIZZ 

(Satisfied) 

Git  outer  heah  an  goter  wok, 

Uv  all  men's  yo  lobes  tu  shirk. 

Don  dan  woken  fo  a  dollah  a  dah, 

Don  hard  wok  an'  git  good  pah. 

Sie,  what's  de  use  larg  or  small, 

Yo  de  kinder  umman  gonner  spend  it  all. 

Lizz,  bleav  me  man,  yo  needs  som  pride. 

Sie,  hum,  yo  shud  worrah  ef  um  satisfied. 

Lizz,  sumer  des  dahs  I'll  lost  my  mind, 

Den  you'll  leff  dis  hos  liker  a  bird  a  flyen, 

Cus  I'll  be  a  devil  an  dat  untied, 

I'll  sees  how  much  den  you  am  satisfied. 

Lizz,  mussey  me,  dis  world  am  ruff, 

An'  marrahed  life  I  goter  nuff . 

To  don  rite  I  really  tried, 

Den  gwon  an  leah  me,  um  satisfied. 

Lizz,  I'll  nuckel  to  yo  nebber  no  mo, 

Cus  I  kin  clean  cars  f  o  de  ole  Rig  Fo, 

I  told  um  I's  coming,  dey  thinks  I's  lied, 

Cus  de  wah  yo  acten  man,  I  ain't  satisfied. 

Sie,  somer  des  dahs  I'll  slep  a  neaf  de  cool 

An'  yo'll  hab  tu  hich,  drove,  an'  cur  dem  mules 

Holin  woe  haw  gee,  come  heah  elide, 

I  gus  den  honey  yo'll  be  satisfied. 

Lizz,  tain't  no  use  in  talkin  to  me, 

I's  made  up  my  mind  to  let  yo  be. 

Whever  yo  sleep  neaf  de  cool  worn  or  hot 

I'll  took  dis  brom  an  broke  yo  not. 

Sie,  den  do  it  umman  I  aniter  goner  hide, 

Any  ole  thing  soes  yo  satisfied. 

Lizz,  dah  yo  am  a  giten  all  good 

Den  com  na  kiss  me,  hum,  I  wish  I  wood 

Cus  yo  kinder  mens  I's  laid  aside. 

Sie,  ef  dey  all  no  yo  like  me,  dey  woun  be  satisfied 


16  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


LIEUTENANT  RUFF 

"Company  Attion,"  dats  it  snap  dem  heals  rite  agether 

And  don't  be  grumblen  bout  de  rainy  wedder, 

Fo  dahs  a  few  things  I's  boun  to  mention. 

Yo  pock  out  dat  chest, 

Yo  lazy  thing,  yo  am  like  de  rest. 

Gim  me  dem  heads  and  eyes  tu  de  front 

An'  don't  let  me  heah  yo  breave  or  grunt. 

Now  in  dis  company  dahs  a  singen  aroun 

Dat  some  yo  soldiers  am  a  staen  in  town, 

Yo  no  dat  am  a  breaken  uv  de  rules, 

And  awful  bad  it  sounds. 

But  let  me  ketch  de  ole  ring  leader 

Wid  him  I'll  broke  de  guard  hous  don. 

"At  Ease !"  quit  dat  trimblen  at  de  neas, 

In  de  monen  I's  goner  call  de  roll 

An  ebber  liben  body  better  hit  de  stroll. 

Ef  dahs  anybody  daun  anser  tu  dey  name 

Well,  de  wah  I'll  punshum,  hit  '11  be  a  shame. 

Sur  Lieutenant !  mah  I  speak, 

No  you  studers,  an'  it'll  tuck  yo  a  week. 

Now  stop  dat  rolen  dem  eyes  dah, 

Yo  am  de  fello  dey  calls  jack  de  bah. 

Does  yo  no  yo  am  afoolen  wid  de  hinges  uv  def 

An'  what  yo  am  athinken  yo  am  badly  lef. 

Ress,  a  man  kin  talk  tell  he  nely  chokes, 

An'  Ress  don't  mean  fo  you  tu  smoke. 

Drap  dat  cigarete, 

I  bet  I'll  bio  dis  company  up  yet, 

Now  I  want  spoke  bout  de  ban  solute, 

An'  you  better  bring  me  a  press  on  all  dem  suits. 

In  dis  company  dahs  a  loss  uv  pep 

An'  in  aroun'  lebben  werf  yo  am  boun  to  crep. 

"PradeRess!" 

Keep  dat  line  neatly  dressed, 

Looker  a  dah  how  yo's  holen  dat  gun, 

Gist  like  a  man  giten  redy  tu  run. 

"Sholder  Arms!" 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  17 


As  yo  wus,  yo  goter  alarmed. 

Now  what's  de  madder  widd  dis  coman? 

Change  dat  gun  in  de  udder  han 

In  all  my  forty  years  I  seen 

Yo  bunch  uv  mens  am  mity  green. 

Wake  up  now  an  sodger  rite, 

Ef  yo  don't  da'll  be  one  awf ull  fite. 

Yo'll  taste  de  essnes  uv  my  fist. 

"Company  Attention!" 

Dah  am  de  dinner  bell  yo  am  dismist. 


THE  PARSON'S  RESOLUTION 

Parson  Johnson  at  his  church  on  a  New  Year's  Eve 

Made  a  resolujion  he  had  up  his  sleeve, 

He  knew  the  congregation  had  some  inside  information, 

But  from  where  cometh  he  never  knew, 

So  the  bells  begin  to  ring  and  the  whistles  begin  to  blow 

Everybody  kneeled  in  prayer,  but  Parson  walked  the  flo. 

CHORUS 

Said,  Lord!  remove  those  evil  spirits,  that's  concealed  in 

my  trunk, 

In  which  so  often  I  bathe  my  soul,  but  never  was  I  drunk. 
Deliver  me  along  a  different  path  and  close  mine  eyes 

even  to  an  empty  flask. 
And  if  temptation  greets  me  along  my  way 
May  Thee  never  let  bad  thoughts  upon  my  conscience 

play. 

Parson  in  his  sermon,  done  oh !  very  well, 
He  spoke  of  hypocrites,  backsliders  and  infidels, 
He  mentioned  of  St.  Peter,  who  is  writing  the  deeds  we  do 
And  said  when  sliding  back  is  untrue. 
He  preached  until  his  mind  was  a  little  overtaxed 
And  knowing  that  bottle  he  had  hid  was  the  real  old  true 
facts. 


18  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


ON  SUNDAY  MORN 

Long  side  de  road 
Where  my  heart  overflowed, 
From  de  moanen  uv  a  dove 
While  I's  dreamin'  uv  yo  love 

On  Sunday  morn. 

While  I  sit  an  thing  uv  yo, 

And  de  sun  shines  doun  on  de  mistic's  dew, 

In  dis  beautiful  place, 

I  kin  see  yo  sweet  face 

On  Sunday  morn. 

I  love  to  roam  de  putty  wile  wood, 
It  reminds  me  uv  our  dearest  childhood, 
To  listen  to  de  birds 
And  music  widout  word 

On  Sunday  morn. 

Ef  fate  holds  a  day  we're  to  meet  again 
To  relieve  my  heart  uv  its  aken  pain, 
If  it's  God's  decree 
I  hope  it  will  be 

On  Sunday  morn. 


TOAST 

Leave  me  not  dear  just  now, 

The  words  I  solemnly  vow. 

Without  your  care 

This  world  I  fear, 

I'll  take  a  glass  of  little  bubbles 

Then  life  will  be  full  of  troubles. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  19 


MY  LITTLE  GIRL 

Your  smiles  have  faded  into  frowns, 
Your  eyes  have  lost  their  glow  of  brown, 
Your  lips  are  numb,  hides  your  teeth  of  pearl, 
Why  lose  this  beauty,  my  little  girl? 

The  roses  in  the  garden,  are  drooping  and  dying 
Since  they  know  of  your  tears  and  sighing, 
This  puts  a  crape  o'er  the  whole  wide  world 
Bring  back  this  beauty,  my  little  girl. 

I  listen  to  the  birds  when  I'm  alone 
And  they  have  lost  their  silver  tone; 
Sometimes  they're  mute,  and  feathers  all  curled, 
There's  another  beauty  lost,  my  little  girl. 

Now  the  sun  came  up  but  refused  to  shine, 
It  was  lost  from  your  presence  and  love  divine, 
The  clouds  drifted  by,  fastly  in  a  whirl, 
I  want  you  and  the  sunshine,  my  little  girl. 

There  was  a  day  that  was  dear  to  me 
When  we  sailed  across  loves  bright  sea, 
There  we  saw  only  water,  sky  and  love 
And  this  was  a  blessing  from  our  God  above 
But  soon  our  boat  ran  into  a  snirl, 
And  gone  was  our  beauty,  my  little  girl. 


A  POET'S  WIFE 

Has  a  miserable  life 

As  he  sits  and  thinks  from  sun  to  sun, 

There  he  dreams  of  the  lakes  and  dells 

Her  poor  heart  just  beats  by  spells. 

But  when  he's  back  from  those  beautiful  scenes 

She  looks  in  his  eyes  and  the  love-light  gleams. 


20  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


A  FROSTY  MORN 

Spring's  early  blossoms 
Are  sleeping  in  their  grave, 
Oh !  how  the  sun  did  shine, 
For  their  lives  it  tried  to  save. 

Just  think  of  all  their  beauty 
And  Jack  Frost  was  the  winner, 
Though  in  sight  of  the  shining  sun, 
He's  an  awful  sinner. 

And  while  they  lie  asleep 
Beneath  the  chilly  snow, 
We  only  dream  of  their  tenderness 
And  their  fragrance  we  love  so. 

Just  think  of  each  little  petal 
That  was  veiled  with  that  all  white  shroud, 
And  the  miserable  death  they  died, 
While  the  sun  was  behind  the  clouds. 

But  cheer  up !  all  sad  hearts, 
Mother  nature  is  soon  to  bring 
Another  collection  of  buds, 
For  the  ones  stolen  this  spring. 


THE  LITTLE  TOE  DANCER 

Down  a  little  lane 
So  beautifully  shaded 
There  I  met  the  queen 
Of  all  little  maidens. 

Her  hair  was  light 
And  eyes  sky-blue, 
She  was  out  of  the  garden 
Of  beauties  that's  true. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  21 


She'd  hold  her  little  dress 
And  dance  to  the  breeze; 
She  would  do  it  with  grace 
And  musical  ease. 

On  the  tips  of  her  toes 
She'd  go  around  like  a  top, 
With  such  dancing,  entrancing, 
I  thought  she'd  ne'er  stop. 

Then  she'd  bow 

And  give  a  sweet  little  smile, 

Pulling  her  finger 

Like  a  real  little  child. 

But  who  only  knows 
Whom  this  maiden  can  be, 
She's  my  secret  inspirer, 
And  the  world  to  me. 

Sometimes  when  I  write 
She  stands  by  my  side, 
If  my  poem's  of  the  ocean 
She  rides  on  the  tide. 

Now  little  one 
My  thoughts  are  dim, 
But  with  your  guidance 
I  worked  with  vim. 

And  now  I  must  go, 
But  my  thoughts  are  of  you. 
We'll   meet  here  next  Sunday 
In  the  lane  at  two. 


22  MY  VALUED  RUDY 


A  SPARK  OF  LOVE 

What  will  ease 

Two  aching  hearts 

That  fate  and  time 

Has  drifted  apart? 

I'll  speak  to  this  rose, 

For  maybe  it  knows 

A  gladness  for  her  love 

That's  now  reposed. 

Why  did  our  minds 

With  spirited  souls, 

Let  distance  ring  in 

Leaving  our  hearts  grow  cold? 

Now  we  sit  and  dream 

Though  miles  away, 

Neither  can  enjoy 

The  blessings  of  the  day. 

For  a  moment  we're  happy 

Then  sadness  prevails, 

In  our  ears  whistles  memories 

Like  a  nightingale. 


THE  DEATH  OF  MRS.  WORMSLEY 

Down  along  Lincoln  way, 

In  our  church  on  Sabbath  day 

A  shock  to  a  father,  sisters  and  brothers, 

When  the  Master  called  the  Wormsley  mother. 

Tear  drops  then  began  to  fall, 

But  this  is  the  sting  must  come  to  us  all, 

With  a  pitiful  look,  one  at  the  other, 

To  mourn  the  death  of  the  Wormsley  mother. 

Soon  the  alarm  spread  around, 

And  hung  a  sad  token  o'er  the  town, 

The  alarm  traveled  farther  and  farther, 

While  the  heaven's  doors  opened  to  Wormsley  mother. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  23 


EASTER  ROSES 

(To  Mrs.  Perry  Honce  McGee) 

The  roses  you  hold 

Though   they  are  withering  away, 

In  their  heart  is  my  love 

And  a  brighter  day. 

Their  petals  now  drooped 
But  fragrance  still  sweet, 
My  heart  with  trueness 
For  you  ever  beats. 

All  the  whole  world 
And  its  treasures  of  gold 
Could  tell  no  sweeter  story 
Than  these  roses  have  told. 

So  fate  could  ne'er  send 
No  sweeter  one,  dear, 
Than  you  with  your  love 
And  tender  care. 

i 


EYES 

Eyes  that  speak 

Are  worth  their  weight  in  gold. 
For  many  a  aching  heart 
With  love  they  console. 

They  have  no  words 
Like  the  trembling  lips, 
Though  glance  by  glance 
You  can  read  their  manuscript. 


24  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


LAZY  MULE 

Gee,  Gee, 

Yo  better  quit  dat  pestern  me. 

Woe,  tell  I  unkiber  dis  corn, 

A  raskul  like  yo  shud  nebber  ben  bon, 

When  de  sun  comes  out  yo  am  looken  f o  de  cool 

An'  dat's  de  powful  acten  uv  a  lazy  mule. 

Den  dah's  de  minet  I  gits  de  bridle 
Yo  eyes  am  shut  yo  mine  goes  idle. 
Did  yo  had  no  risens  or  go  to  school — no. 
Ah,  dat's  de  rezen  yo's  a  lazy  mule. 

Now  maybe  tumorh  I'll  drove  yo  tu  town, 
And  what  I  means  yo  gwine  tu  sweep  de  groun, 
Yo  won't  drug  along  acten  a  fool, 
Yo'll  git  up  an  muv,  lazy  mule. 

Yo  ets  a  wagon  loder  con  an'  a  bale  o  hay, 

Den  yo  leans  er  ginst  de  fence  when  yo  goes  tu  bray, 

I  recken  som  time  you'll  ax  fo  a  stool 

So  you  kin  set  doun  yo  lazy  mule. 

Den  tu  I  recken  I'll  trade  yo  off, 
Yo  Ion  nekhog,  yo  ets  de  hay  out  de  loft, 
Now  yo  kin  git  mad  but  I  got  er  nu  rule, 
Yo  good  for  nothen  lazy  mule. 

And  when  I  goes  tu  mak  dis  deal, 

Yo  run  around  de  barn  an'  kick  up  yo  heal, 

Stah  rit  sid  dat  ole  marh  Brule 

Den  de  man  won't  no  he's  giten  sich  a  lazy  mule. 

Ah,  an  when  he  gits  yo  you'll  cease  tu  balk, 
Fo  he  am  goter  a  chalklin  yo  has  tu  walk, 
From  dat  dah  on  yo'll  be  a  liven  tool 
Dat  I'll  en  yo  actens  uv  er  lazy  mule. 

An  mah  de  dah  come  when  yo  cease  tu  breve 

Den  yo'll  flot  wid  de  angles  fru  de  trees, 

An  de  buzzards  will  fite  one  mo  duel 

An  I'll  sah  dah  gones  de  essene  uv  dat  lazy  mule. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  25 


THROUGH  THE  MILL 

If  I  can  compose  my  way  to  success 
Then  some  time  I'll  compose  the  rest, 
It  will  be  of  my  childhood  days 
Building  mud  houses  for  different  plays. 

Oh !  I  was  bad  and  mischievous,  too, 
And  always  looking  for  something  to  do, 
And  when  I  found  nothing  I  surely  was  sad, 
To  be  good  very  long  would  make  me  mad. 

Though  I  longed  to  go  to  school, 
But  I  was  poor  and  fate  overruled, 
Then  my  mother,  whom  I  love  so  dear, 
Passed  away  at  the  end  of  the  year. 

Then  I  fought  this  old,  rough  world, 

For  I  had  lost  my  valued  pearl. 

And  now  she  sleeps  beneath  the  sod; 

It  brought  me  deep  sorrow  though  it's  the  will  of  God. 

Just  think  of  my  mother,  she  guides  me  yet, 
And  keeps  me  away  from  those  sinful  nets. 
All  through  life,  from  place  to  place, 
She  ne'er  let  alcohol  enter  my  taste. 

And  I've  ne'er  lived  a  day  I  want  to  live  o'er, 
Unless  it  was  school  days  which  I  could  love  more, 
Now  I'll  thank  God  and  that  sweet  little  her, 
My  life's  been  rough,  but  never  a  blur. 


A  heart  without  love 
And  nowhere  to  build, 
The  mind  wanders  far, 
Leaving  the  soul  to  chill. 


26  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


A  DROOPING  ROSE 

She'll  always  be 

Sweet  like  the  breath  you  give 

In  trying  to  console  me. 

I  hope  you're  not  leaving, 

'Twould  break  my  heart  to  think. 

I  love  you  better  than  all  the  rest, 

For  your  petals  are  all  over  pink. 

Cheer  up !  little  rose, 

With  your  petals  looking  mad, 

My  sweet  heart  is  dying, 

That's  why  I'm  looking  sad. 

Oh !  there  is  your  companions 

And  they  are  blooming  all  gay, 

But  I  wonder  if  you  know 

My  love  is  to  pass  away, 

But  forever  in  my  memory. 


BECKER'S  JEALOUSY 

Lody,  Lody,  chile  am  yo  heard  de  nues, 

Ole  Ruby  Gee  go  dem  late  stile  shoes  (no!) 

Yo  noes  dem  kin  wid  de  heel  so  high, 

An  all  de  men's  jist  looks  when  she  goes  by, 

Course  she  ain't  as  swell  as  she  thinks  she  am,  ef  all  ports 

am  true. 
She  oder  member,  dat  I  noder,  when  she  worned  a  boot  an 

a  shoe. 

Mursey  me,  I  kin  seed  her  now  in  church  a  gazen  aroun 
Tryen  to  make  eber  body  seer,  so  de  nues,  kin  spread  de 

town. 

But  um  goner  taut  alls  in  de  quar  jist  how  to  act  renoun 
An  when  Ole  Ruby  Gee  comes  in  church  we  kin  gider  one 

pison  frown. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  27 


Oh !  but  I  loves  dat  uman  jist  like  I  loves  a  snake, 

An  I  ain't  fogot  how  tonny  she  acted  don  at  Ras  Johnson's 

wake. 
Eher  time  dey  passed  de  coffee  she'd  tuck  it  an  kinder 

linger, 

An  put  on  de  mostest  airs,  posen  her  little  finger. 
Dar  she  sit  an  sip,  an  saped, 
An  droped  de  hoi  cup  in  her  lap. 
Mursey  me,  I  laughed,  tell  my  sides  a  linos  buss, 
Den  we  had  one  awful  fuss, 
But  bleave  me,  chile,  I  helt  my  groun, 
Ef  things  did  look  powf  ul  dark  aroun. 
An  ef  it  hadn't  ben  fo  waken  uv  de  dead 
Dah  ben  one  awful  pullen  uv  de  heads. 
Yo  nows  fo  a  minit  I  acted  refine, 
But  after  dat  she  got  a  piece  uv  my  mine. 
Den  eber  body  look  all  eck  mased, 
Sam  Thomptson  whispered  to  drunken  Hays, 
What  yo  spose  dey  am  f usen  about. 
Well  sur  we  broke  up  dat  wake,  widout  a  dout, 
Den  all  along  de  streets  on  our  wah  home  'twas  a  site  befo 

de  king, 

We  was  a  gibberen  an  a  gabberen,  an  bof  un  us  sushed 
When  dat  troll-bell  ring. 
Den  we  was  quiet  where  de  siety  folks  lived 
An  we  hardly  drewed  our  breff , 
But  when  we's  out  uv  dat  part  uv  toun  I  nocked  her  rite 

an  lef . 


TRUELET 

Each  day  there  is  sunshine, 
Each  day  there  are  showers, 
Means  some  day  in  May  Day 
We'll  be  picking  wild  flowers. 


28  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


INCH  BY  INCH 

I'm  yet  in  the  path 

A  jogging  along, 

That's  leading  to  the  righteous 

Away  from  the  wrong. 

We  have  not  time 

To  talk  evil  of  others, 

For  losing  enemies 

To  gain  heavenly  brothers. 

Oh,  Lord! 

May  the  day  be  long 

In  which  you  have  power 

To  sound  the  heavenly  gong. 

We  know  this  means 
Our  last  day, 
Bless  us  and  save  us 
In  that  land  far  away. 


THE  PLACE  WHERE  LITTLE  MARY  LIVES 

Down  a  beautiful  country  road 

The  roses  in  bloom  and  their  perfume  strewed, 

Oh !  the  joy  it  brought  to  my  heart, 

Twas  so  tender,  so  sweet,  I  couldn  ne'er  depart 

From  that  place  where  little  Mary  lives. 

Oh !  that  spot  beside  the  hill 

Where  nature  and  beauty  can  always  build, 

Tells  a  story  it  really  seems 

And  will  always  be  life's  sweetest  dream 

Of  that  place  where  little  Mary  lives. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  29 


When  she  plucked  and  gave  to  me 

A  beautiful  rose  in  a  manner  so  free, 

The  heavenly  breezes  begin  to  blow 

And  the  tenderness  through  my  heart  did  flow 

For  that  place  where  little  Mary  lives. 

That  was  a  day  of  God's  decree, 
And  oh !  no  scenes  could  sweeter  be, 
They  soothed  my  heart  and  eased  my  pain, 
May  the  bright  sunshine  ne'er  turn  to  rain, 
Down  where  little  Mary  lives. 

But  summer  is  soon  to  fade  away, 

Followed  by  a  cold  winter  day. 

The  howling  winds  in  the  month  of  December, 

But  that  dear  little  rose  I'll  always  remember 

That  come  from  the  place  where  litle  Mary  lives. 

Now  I  see  the  blustery  snow 

And  it's  changed  the  scenes  where  I  used  to  go, 

It's  all  over  white 

Though  the  stars  are  shining  bright, 

How  sad  be  that  place  where  little  Mary  lives. 

At  times  I  think  and  really  sigh 

To  think  of  those  roses  that  are  sleeping  nearby. 

But  they  will  return 

To  my  heart  that  yearns, 

And  for  that  place  and  its  beauty 

Where  little  Mary  lives. 


A  QUESTION 

Why  are  great  men's  lives 

Thrown  into  the  mist? 

One's  who  aim  at  the  sky, 

Are  found  at  the  bottom  of  the  list. 


30  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


MR.  FINK 

I  met  a  man 
The  other  day 
On  a  Chicago  train. 
Ry  the  way 
His  face  was  strange 
And  very  old, 
And  holds  a  sad  story 
Yet  to  be  told. 
He  says,  my  boy, 
We'll  have  a  drink. 
I  said,  no  I  thank  you, 
Mr.  Fink. 

Then  he  gave  a  real  deep  sigh, 
Like  a  child  about  to  cry. 
In  a  moment  he  raised  and  said, 
Then  he  stroked  his  old  bald  head, 
Patting  me  on  my  shoulder  then. 
He  faded  his  wrinkles  into  a  grin, 
Now  my  lad,  as  I  sit  and  think, 
May  you  never  be  like 

Mr.  Fink. 

My  younger  days  had  I  refused, 
Now  I'd  stand  in  different  shoes; 
I  could  throw  this  blanket  off  of  me 
And  this  deadly  sorrow  that  you  see 
Then  with  a  nod  he  solemnly  winked, 
Try  and  remember  Mr.  Fink. 

With  a  trembling  he  then  relates 
Of  his  mighty  love  that's  turned  to  hate, 
He  called  a  name  that  was  once  his  wife. 
This  was  the  pride  that  wrecked  his  life, 
Saying  once  I  was  rich,  but  now  I  beg. 
She's  the  cause,  a  wretched  old  hag, 
Then  there  was  love  with  a  broken  link 
Mournfully  told  by  Mr.  Fink. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  31 


GRAY  HEADS 

Two  gray  heads  bowed  in  tears, 

Above  hung  memories  of  wasted  years, 

For  once  they  were  young  with  the  blessings  of  health. 

They  sought  not  happiness,  righteousness  nor  wealth, 

But  now  they  jog  along  to  end  of  life's  rope, 

The  end  is  not  far,  just  o'er  the  slope. 

Their  lives  must  be  studied 

With  their  heads  bloomed  gray 

To  direct  souls 

Along  life's  sweeter  way. 

'Twill  teach  you  their  sorrow 

Each  day  'twill  bring 

The  joy  that's  in  our  lives 

'Twill  loudly  ring. 

But  if  heads  are  hard 

And  holds  within 

The  things  you  crave 

Be  worldly  sins 

We'll  go  down  to  a  joyless  end, 

Leaving  sorrow  to  have  its  sway, 

We'll  be  like  those  two 

I  saw  the  other  day. 


HER  SOLEMN  THOUGHTS 

Oh !  cruel,  cruel  fate  is  mine, 

Why  am  I  tortured  with  life  so  unkind. 

Cruel  as  the  grave,  it  means  peace  for  me, 

For  there  only,  my  sorrow,  will  e'er  let  me  be. 

Peace  or  happiness,  I  truly  know  not, 

And  gone  art  the  sunshine  that  lightened  my  darkened 

spots 

The  little  birds  for  me  do  not  sing  so  sweet 
And  the  roses  have  withered  from  the  warm  summer's 

heat. 

— Mrs.  Perry  H.  McGee 


32  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


YOUR  EYES  AND  MY  EYES 

Your  eyes  so  beautiful  tells  a  tale 
And  o'er  me  holds  the  bill  of  sale. 
With  each  glance  they  tenderly  bring 
A  little  love  song  for  my  heart  to  sing. 
They  hold  the  warmth  around  my  soul 
With  love,  kind  love,  to  sweet  to  be  told. 

Were  my  eyes  allowed  to  tell 

How  my  poor  heart  beats  by  spells. 

For  your  love  it  really  craves, 

Why  send  it  down  to  its  grave? 

Time  take  away  my  haunted  years 

And  your  love,  sweet  love,  that's  caused  me  tears. 

Let  your  eyes  shine  for  me  real  true, 
Then  I'll  explain  more  love  for  you. 
The  world  then  would  cease  my  sorrow. 
This  brings  a  brighter  day  to-morrow, 
Then  forever  we'd  live  in  sweet  loveland 
With  love,  much  love,  I'd  hold  your  hand. 

By  your  eyes  I  traced  your  love, 
Being  guided  by  the  Savior  above; 
I  saw  a  weakening  along  the  way 
That  I  could  strengthen  would  it  pay, 
But  those  things  are  hard  to  mend 
When  two  has  love  that  doesn't  blend. 


Be  careful  in  your  daily  walks, 

Because  from  some  source  or  other  there's  always  a 
watching  eye. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  33 


NATURAL  BORN  COLORED  MAN 

Sam  Jackson  was  goin'  with  a  real  yallow  gal,  the  one  that 

he  called  his  own-side  pal, 
But  he  found  she  would  deceive,  she  told  a  friend  by  the 

name  of  Stark. 

She  could  love  Sam  if  he  wasn't  so  dark; 
This  made  a  discord  down  town, 
Cause  Sam  was  standing  near,  and  seemed  to  overhear 

and  just  then  he  spoke  right  up  and  said : 

CHORUS 

I'm  a  natural  born  gen-u-wine  colored  man,  you  don't 

have  to  look  twice  to  see  who  I  am, 
You  look  at  me  once  and  your  thoughts  will  end,  cause  I 

got  that  puro-de  colored  skin. 
It's  the  kind  of  skin  that  the  sun  don't  tan,  this  makes  me 

the  king  of  the  sunny  land, 
So  you  go  your  way  but  bear  in  mind  I'm  what  you  call 

the  puro-de  gen-u-wine. 

Now  all  high  yellows  to  Sam  is  in  vain,  he  never  lets  them 

bother  his  brain, 
And  all  through  his  life  he'll  letum  alone,  he  knows  that 

his  skin's  a  bit  shady, 
So  he  will  avoid  every  yellow  lady,  he's  got  a  club  of  his 

own. 

Where  all  brown  skins  can  meet  and  have  a  musical  treat 
For  every  night  Sam  kindly  sings. 


A  BLOT  ON  LOVE 

On  comes  the  future 

And  brighter  day  it  brings, 

But  prosperity  should  never  bother 

Love  in  the  heart  that  sings. 


34  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


DE  GOLDEN  COW 

Life  fo  me  am  one  sweet  dream 
Sense  I's  been  drinken  Jersey  cream, 
Ebum,  my  wife,  am  changed  her  wahs 
She  worens  a  smile  eber  dah, 

When  I  miks  dat  golden  cow. 

Yo  no  when  I  buyeder  my  wife  jist  frond, 
And  to  all  de  nabers  she  run  me  doun, 
I  wished  yo  hear  'er  now,  she  calls  me  honey, 
An'  tells  me  how  well  I  spent  my  money 
When  I  buyed  dat  golden  cow. 

All  my  chuluns  jist  seems  to  smile 
Liker  a  pasel  uv  crocker  diles, 
One  I'll  stan,  an  hunch  de  uder, 
Dey  gits  dat  actens  from  dair  muder, 
When  I  miks  dat  golden  cow. 

All  de  foks  dat  libs  next  dooh 
Try  to  be  so  soshul,  any  mo, 
But  dey  needn't  ack,  all  dat  cin, 
I  gits  eber  body  off  my  mine 

When  I  miks  dat  golden  cow. 

An  dat  Jersey  neber  offers  to  kick, 
I'd  lose  my  mind  ef  she'd  git  sik, 
Jist  think  what  it  means  to  my  poar  heart, 
How  sad  'twould  be  ef  I  had  to  part 
From  miken  dat  golden  cow. 

But  ef  she  eber  dies, 
In  hebum  I  no  she'll  rest  on  hi, 
Cous  darh  she  stoods  an  hols  wid  in, 
An'  neber  breeved  a  breffer  sin, 

Hu  dat  cow  amer  golden  cow. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  35 


MEMORIES 

Sweet,  sweeter,  sweetest  memories, 

Of  my  great,  greater,  greatest  days, 

Has  come  and  gone  but  now  returns. 

As  I  pass  the  little  church  door 

My  poor  heart  yearns.     It  wants  you  and  those  golden 

hours 
That  held  my  sweet,  sweeter,  sweetest  memories. 

When  I  hear 

The  church  organ  play, 

My  poor  heart 

Just  hums  away 

A  million  of  your  melodies 

And  my  sweet,  sweeter,  sweetest  memories. 

All  the  little  birds 

Just  seem  to  know 

Of  my  happy  days 

When  you  loved  me  so, 

For  every  morn  they  tenderly  sing 

My  sweet,  sweeter,  sweetest  memories. 


YOU  ARE 

You  are  my  morning  star, 
You  are  my  evening's  pride, 
You  are  my  all  and  all, 
You  are  my  love  besides. 

You  are  my  brightest  hope 
You  are  my  world  of  gold, 
You  are  all  of  my  happiness, 
You  are  ne'er  to  grow  cold. 


36  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


GRAY  EYES 

Gray  eyes,  with  your  haunting,  piercing  trait, 
And  your  infernal  deadly  bliss, 
Around  my  heart  still  entwins  a  kiss, 
Though  shame  am  I  to  relate. 

Gray  eyes,  this  game  fate  is  ruling, 

Though  many  are  the  sad  spirits 

That  conscience  has  seen, 

From  a  lonely  bench  in  the  park  amid  the  green, 

With  an  aching,  burning  heart 

No  thoughts  of  you  were  cooling. 

Gray  eyes,  answer  me  with  your  dreamy  look, 

Ah !  that  loving,  tender  smile's  a  traitor, 

Sad  reflections  we  both  see, 

The  last  spark  in  my  heart  its  took, 

And  I  have  learned  to  be  your  hater. 


PICNIC  DAY 

Driften  don  de  Ohio, 
Oh,  dat  muddy  'bio, 
Hearh  dat  boat  a  pufflen, 
See  dem  darkies  shuttlen 
Ye,  dis  am  picnic  day. 

When  she  goes  aroun'  de  ben 
Yo  see  dem  darkies  gin  to  grin 
In  dare  hearts  is  powful  joy, 
Yo  hearh  dat  word  O,  my  boy, 
Dis  am  picnic  day. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  37 


Den  yo  hearh  dern  banjoes  ring 

Ole  time  darkies  'gin  to  sing 

All  dem  southern  melodies 

Dat  makes  yo  dance  wid  so  much  ease 

OO,  ah,  ah,  on  picnic  day. 

Soon  darh  was  a  razor  duel 
'Tween  Willie  Jackson  and  Goston  Souel, 
Den  de  gran  master  drew  his  sword 
An'  boff  dem  rascals  jumped  overboad 
On  picnic  day. 

Den  Magie  Jones  let  a  scream 
Like  de  boat  popen  off  steam, 
Den  she  spoke  a  piece  her  mine, 
Saen  dis  hapens  eber  time 
On  picnic  day. 

Den  Parson  Brown  mader  speech 
Dat  held  cU  congregation  liker  leech, 
All  yo  folkes  oder  be  a  shame 
Fo  tryen  to  spile  de  church's  good  name 
I  don't  carah  ef  it  am  picnic  day. 

Parson  wasn't  fread  to  say 

He  made  his  speech  jist  dat  wah, 

An'  when  he's  thru,  he  wiped  his  brow, 

An'  the  congergation  moaned  liker  cow 

On  picnic  day. 

Den  de  boat  pulled  into  land, 
Parson  madum  understand 
Anybody  not  actin  rite 
Will  walk  de  water  back  home  to-night, 
Dis  am  er  church  picnic  day. 


38  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


JUST  AN  IRISHMAN'S  WAY 

If  your  name  is  Me  or  O'Maley 

Gome  and  shake  hands  with  me, 

That's  the  brand  killarney  gives 

Before  sending  us  over  the  sea. 

No  words  I  can  speak 

To  hold  more  true 

And  to  show  I'm  an  Irishman  thru  and  thru, 

Than  those  that  are  blending 

To  the  Irish  minds 

Sure  Me  or  O'Maley 

Is  just  the  time. 

Sure  this  is  an  Irishman's  way, 

Though  to  you  it  may  seem  odd; 

But  the  land  they  are  from  is  a  paradise 

Blessed  by  the  greenest  of  sod. 

This  makes  me  proud 

Sure  to  be, 

And  to  meet  an  Irishman 

Just  like  me. 

Then  we  can  tell  of  the  lakes  and  dells 

And  the  beautiful  shamrock  bordered  shores. 


OFTEN  TOLD 

Oh !  the  beautiful  morning  sun 
That  shineth  on  the  mistic  dew, 
It  sparkles  different  colors 
Once  your  eyes  would  do  this,  too. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  39 


VIOLET  AND  YOU 

Early  in  the  spring 
Beneath  the  veranda  grew 
A  lonely  little  violet, 
And  it  brought  our  love  anew 
The  days  that  we  were  parted. 

My  heart  was  ever  true, 

I  shall  always  love  this  violet, 

This  violet  and  you. 

I'll  pluck  this  little  fellow, 

And  to  you  I'll  tenderly  give. 

It's  a  token  of  our  reunion, 

May  our  love  always  live. 

Though  life  could  give  no  sweeter,  too, 

Than  this  violet,  this  violet,  and  you. 

x 

And  I  shall  hold  in  memory 
This  violet,  purple  and  green, 
For  returning  life's  happiness 
To  me,  that's  what  it  means. 
Though  my  love  it  blew  and  blew, 
Back  to  this  violet,  this  violet,  and  you. 


MY  WILL 

I'm  slow  to  anger  when  trouble  comes, 
For  this  is  just  my  build, 
And  to  hurt  the  feelings  of  another 
Is  usually  against  my  will. 


40  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


OLEGRIA 
Composed  May  27,  1920. 

Around  me  at  twilight  shadows  fall, 
From  the  beautiful  heavens  is  a  childish  call. 
That  has  haunted  me  for  years  and  years, 
Through  my  bitter  sighs  and  salty  tears, 

It's  Olegria,  my  little  unseen. 

Ah!  there's  my  little  darling  one 
To  pay  me  a  visit,  at  the  setting  of  the  sun. 
Be  seated  here  love,  on  the  green  sod, 
You're  a  little  blessing  from  our  own  God, 
Olegria,  my  little  unseen. 

Now  listen  to  the  dream,  of  daddy's  golden  hour, 

But  awakened  from  his  slumber  by  the  down  twinkling 

shower. 

Then  I  tried  to  stroke  your  beautiful  brown  hair, 
But  the  breath  of  a  moment  banished  you  into  the  air, 
'Twas  farewell  Olegria,  my  little  unseen. 


IN  AN  ALL  OLD  ROSE 

I  dreamed  you  were  dressed  in  an  all  old  rose, 

So  sadly  I  kissed  you  while  my  soul  was  reposed, 

I  dreamed  that  you  promised  some  day  you'd  be  mine. 

I  dreamed  heaven  blessed  our  love  divine, 

Gone  art  that  night  to  where  no  one  knows, 

But  I'll  n'er  forget  you,  dressed  in  that  all  old  rose. 

You  gladden  my  heart  while  love  breezes  blew, 

I  know  not  where  my  sorrow  then  flew, 

Maybe  into  lands  where  love  ne'er  grows 

To  tell  you  dressed  in  an  all  old  rose. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  41 


LOVE'S  REFLECTIONS 

If  I  had  wings, 
I'd  take  you  and  soar 
To  a  land  of  happiness 
For  evermore, 
Leaving  all  sorrows 
To  the  years  we've  seen, 
Then  Cupid  can  play 
On  the  grassy  greens. 
She'd  have  no  use 
For  her  bow  and  arrow. 
Our  hearts  will  be  true 
And  gay  as  the  sparrow. 
Then  we  can  gaze  down 
In  that  valley  so  deep 
That  held  our  love 
Refore  it  could  creep. 


Entertain  no  thought  other  than  good, 
Then  evilness  around  you  will  ne'er  prevail. 


An  open  expression  may  slip  from  the  lips, 
Rut  deceit  constantly  dwells  within. 


We  only  receive  in  value 

The  interest  in  which  we  do  a  thing. 


42  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


SUMMER  IS  GONE 

When  the  leaves  have  all  turned  brown 
And  through  the  autumn  breeze 
They  come  sailing  to  the  ground, 
This  tells  me  that  summer  is  gone. 

Left  in  the  garden  is  one  single  rose, 

Its  a  sad  token  that  every  one  knows, 

Oh !  how  my  heart  does  sorrowfully  swell, 

When  that  rose  begins  to  tell  that  summer  is  gone. 

Now  I've  roamed  and  tried  to  find 
Some  place  to  hide  my  sorrow  behind, 
But  where'er  I  go 
Mother  nature  says  so,  that  summer  is  gone. 

Where  are  the  little  birds 

And  their  music  I  heard? 

They  fly  side  by  side 

To  a  place  that  provides,  when  summer  is  gone. 

The  beautiful  sun's  hidden  behind  the  clouds 
And  my  poor  heart  almost  speaks  aloud, 
To  have  it  return 
It  would  cease  to  yearn,  but  summer  is  gone. 


IDLENESS 

Idleness  from  day  to  day 

Upon  the  strongest  mind  bad  thought  will  play 

Around  your  heart  there's  a  knocking, 

Tis  consciousness;  then  to  be  idle 

Shows  ungodliness. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  43 


A  SHADOW  ON  THE  BEAUTY  OF  LIFE 

When  you  wear  a  frown,  from  day  to  day, 

Having  no  regards  for  the  right  I'll  say 

Seeking  your  company  without  a  thought, 

And  deafening  your  ears  to  what  mother  has  taught, 

This  puts  a  shadow  on  the  beauty  of  life. 

If  there  sits  before  you  a  glass  that  bubbles, 
It  means  you  only  sorrow  and  troubles, 
'Twill  take  you  to  the  late  hours  at  night 
And  start  your  longing  for  wonderful  sights. 
Then  a  shadow  is  on  the  beauty  of  life. 

If  you  ne'er  look  before  you  leap 

In  trying  to  get  money  by  the  heap, 

To  lengthen  joy  rides  in  beautiful  cars, 

Soon  you  will  land  behind  the  bars, 

This  spreads  a  shadow  on  the  beauty  of  life. 

If  you're  easy  persuaded  in  doing  wrong 
Your  heart  will  pay  with  a  little  sad  song, 
When  company  isn't  right,  travel  alone. 
Then  ask  God  to  give  you  a  mind  of  your  own, 
And  you'll  never  shadow  the  beauty  of  life. 


HAPPY  AND  SORROW 

Each  happy  thought  may  be  followed  by  sorrow, 
It  can  steal  away  your  smiles  for  to-morrow. 
The  hours  we  are  happy  to  our  lives  means  a  goal, 
Value  happy  thoughts  for  we  are  fast  growing  old, 
Walk  a  narrow  path  and  from  happiness  borrow, 
For  happiness  could  change  in  the  next  hour 
Then  sorrow,  like  rainfall,  could  pour  in  showers. 


44  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


THE  SHAWL  OF  SIN 

Oh !  sinful  shawl 

That  holds  me  tight, 

Were  you  off  my  shoulders 

I'd  be  straight  from  this  night. 

My  sorrow's  too  great 
To  e'er  be  told. 
I  being  so  weak 
And  easy  to  infold. 

You  have  taken  my  strength 
And  let  me  fall. 
May  this  be  a  lesson 
To  us  one  and  all. 


NATURE 

When  the  sun  goes  down  in  the  Golden  West, 
Night  blankets  all  nature  at  rest. 
Far  in  the  east,  creeps  up  the  silvery  moon, 
The  night  birds  then  begin  to  spoon. 


A  heart  that  is  a  dangerous  one 

Is  a  heart  that  cannot  hold  a  secret. 


Fate  rules,  time  brings  about 

All  of  God's  blessing  that's  in  store  for  us. 


A  restful  night  malces  bright  the  morn, 
This  leads  on  to  endless  joy 
Making  life  worth  while. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  45 


DEMOCRACY 

War  is  over,  peace  is  signed, 

Will  the  colored  man  be  in  the  place  he  used  to  find? 
Well,  he  really  should  not  for  in  the  war  he  was  true 
And  he's  waiting  now  to  see  what  Democracy  will  do. 
Stand  up !  America,  you're  the  land  of  the  noble  and  free, 
But  you're  letting  other  countries  mention  things  you 

ought  to  see. 
Oh !  but  we  will  live  in  hopes  without  a  thought  of  feeling 

blue, 
But  remember  our  little  children  knows  what  Democracy 

ought  to  do. 
Now  to  be  frank,  with  you  America  and  other  countries 

know 
Just  how  you  treat  the  colored  man,  with  that  awful  old 

jimcrow. 

We  can  be  intelligent,  dressed  sufficient,  when  we  walk  in, 
As  a  rule  we  are  grossly  insulted  on  the  account  of  the 

color  of  skin. 

I  had  a  dream,  America,  just  a  dream  of  you. 

But  I  hope  it  was  a  nightmare  only  passing  through. 

I  saw  you  in  another  war,  cannons  roared,  before  de 
clared, 

But  if  I  were  you  I'd  stay  at  home  and  clean  my  own 
golden  stairs. 

Oh,  but  we  will  praise  the  Lord,  from  whom  all  blessings 
flow  and  sing 

And  watch  that  word  Democracy,  for  we  know  what  it 
ought  to  bring. 


Give  your  time  and  thought 
To  the  better  side  of  life. 


46  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


BREATH  OF  LOVE 

Moments  by  moments,  hours  by  hours, 
Your  love  in  my  heart  just  pours  in  showers. 

Breath  of  love. 

Breath  by  breath,  smile  by  smile, 
May  your  love  bring  to  my  heart  no  vile 

Breath  of  love. 

Word  by  word,  to  ease  by  ease, 
My  love  is  all  yours  to  treat  as  you  please. 

Breath  of  love. 
Side  by  side,  hand  in  hand, 
Pure  love,  sweet  love,  will  always  stand. 


THE  CONVICT 

Cling,  clang,  the  anvil  rang 

Behind  the  prison  walls  a  convict  sang 

A  song  of  his  innocence  as  he  worked  away, 

And  for  keeping  bad  company  this  was  his  pay. 

He  was  coaxed  by  mother,  sister  and  brother 
Before  the  handcuffs  came, 
But  now  he's  clothed  in  a  little  striped  suit, 
And  to  face  the  world  again  he's  ashamed. 


Life  is  so  short,  death  sleep  is  so  long, 
Think  kind  of  me  now  not  after  I'm  gone. 


Steal  not  from  yourself  nowadays 
For  your  work  is  your  boss. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  47 


ALWAYS 

There's  always  a  look  in  your  eyes, 
There's  always  a  rose  in  your  smile, 
Could  there  be  a  feeling  in  your  heart 
To  my  life  that  means  worth  while. 

There's  always  times  I  long  for  you, 
There's  always  times  I  feel  sad. 
I  wonder  if  those  times  could  be  brightened 
To  make  my  poor  heart  glad. 

There's  always  my  golden  dreams, 
There's  always  my  thoughts  of  love, 
And  you  are  a  tender  blessing  dear 
That  flowed  from  the  heavens  above. 

There's  always  a  cloudy  day, 
There's  always  a  little  sunshine, 
But  there  would  be  no  cloudy  ones 
If  you'll  promise  to  be  mine. 


ALL 

All,  to  our  lives  is  pure  sweet  love 
All,  in  a  day  it  can  grow, 
All,  in  a  moment  it  can  leave  us, 
All,  of  us  don't  think  so. 

All,  of  our  thoughts  of  happiness, 
All,  of  our  smiles  in  between, 
All,  could  be  dead  by  tomorrow, 
All,  could  be  love's  saddest  scene. 


Our  lives  are  passing  ne'er  to  repass, 
Quoting  these  words  to  memory 
Could  save  your  soul. 


48  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


FADED  LOVE 

Gone  art  your  love,  that  I  once  knew, 

It  faded  like  a  rose  for  the  want  of  dew, 

But  God  bless  you,  dear, 

From  sorrow  and  care. 

But  there  lies  memories  of  your  faded  love. 

Though  I'll  go  along  life's  gay  way, 
Plucking  the  roses  of  a  bright  summer's  day. 
Weakened  but  guided  by  the  Savior  above, 
But  still  there's  memories  of  your  faded  love. 

Enchanted  in  my  heart  were  you  so  strong 
I  never  dreamed  fate  could  guide  you  wrong. 
From  the  wilderness  came  the  mourn  of  a  dove, 
It  knows  the  sad  story  of  your  faded  love. 

Onward  to  me  the  years  may  fly 
But  not  relieved  of  my  tears  and  sighs. 
Remember  I  held  you  with  my  little  golden  gloves 
Till  the  distant  times  brought  your  faded  love. 


WHERE  THE  SUN  NE'ER  KISSED 

Back  o'er  the  mountain 
Where  the  sun  ne'er  shines 
Was  left  a  snow  drift 
From  winter  time. 
In  this  lonely  little  spot 
Where  nothing  will  grow 
The  warm  summer  winds 
Ne'er  melts  the  snow. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  49 


THE  BREATH  OF  A  ROSE 

You  have  a  soul  as  tender  as  the  breath  of  a  rose, 

Each  day  my  life's  worth  living  as  our  love  grows  and 

grows, 
There  never  shone  a  star  as  bright,  no  sweeter  words 

could  have  come  to  light. 

And  there's  a  compensation  to  you  life  owes, 

For  your  soul  being  as  tender  as  the  breath  of  a  rose, 

And  the  coldest  night  the  winter  wind  blows 

In  my  heart's  a  humming  that  no  one  knows. 

My  love  for  you  just  gently  flows, 

While  I  sit  and  think  of  the  words  to  compose. 

May  always  your  soul  be  tender 

As  the  breath  of  a  rose. 


THE  WILD  ROSE 

The  little  wild  rose 
I  gave  to  you 
'Tis  a  token  of  my  love, 
Will  you  be  true? 

It  was  losing  its  petals, 
For  autumn  was  near, 
But  love  so  humble, 
For  you  my  dear. 

If  all  through  life 
This  rose  could  speak, 
Twould  strengthen  our  love 
Should  it  e'er  grow  weak. 


50  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


A  SONG  OF  A  BROKEN  HEART 

Just  as  many  days  that  my  heart  has  broken 

I  will  count  and  hold  as  love's  sad  token, 

But  just  the  way  my  heart  is  aching 

Some  day  you'll  love,  then  you'll  be  forsaken. 

You  may  be  happy  for  a  time,  in  a  way, 

But  fate  will  overrule,  then  you're  sure  to  pay, 

And  when  that  time  comes  you'll  sit  and  look  in  space. 

In  each,  and  every  vision,  will  be  my  broken-hearted  face. 

Then  you  will  see  and  solemnly  plead 

To  have  the  time  shortened,  my  heart  did  bleed. 

But  remember  when  you're  playing  with  the  game  of  love 

You  can  fool  many  a  body,  but  think  whose  above. 


THE  END  OF  LIFE 

Our  lives  is  like  a  ball  of  twine, 

Day  by  day  it  unwinds, 

As  if  tied  to  a  reel  that  you  turn  and  turn; 

This  is  what  every  soul  should  learn. 

Who  only  knows  where  the  end  will  appear 

On  this  tiny  little  string  holding  life  so  dear. 

Above  is  our  judge  to  handle  this  case, 

We  know  not  when  the  time,  nor  space 

Being  numbered  in  moments,  days,  hours,  and  years, 

Save  us,  Oh!  Lord,  as  the  time  draws  near; 

And  when  the  end  cometh  its  the  work  of  our  God 

Then  forever  we'll  sleep  beneath  the  sod. 


Blessed  art  the  ones 

Whom  our  Father  crowns. 

But  lost  art  the  ones 

Whom  seeketh  and  ne'er  found. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  51 


A  POET'S  DARK  DAY 

Listen  to  the  humble  words 
That  a  down-hearted  poet  did  write; 
He  was  in  a  world  of  darkness 
And  could  not  see  no  light. 

His  mind  was  on  one  person, 
But  his  soul  was  somewhat  chilled, 
Though  he'd  smile  when  spoken  to, 
For  this  was  just  his  build. 

Maybe  his  mind  is  traveling, 
Is  why  he  looks  in  space, 
His  heart  is  loving  some  one, 
His  actions  proves  the  case. 

But  soon  his  thoughts  will  change 
To  sunshine  or  maybe  flowers, 
Then  with  joy  he'll  sit  and  write 
For  hours  after  hours. 

A  poet  has  many  a  thought 

That  come  and  go  each  day, 

He  dwells  in  the  land  of  beautiful  scenes, 

Though  some  are  a  thousand  miles  away. 

His  sweetest  thoughts  is  tender  love, 
His  next  is  the  breath  of  a  rose, 
And  oh !  how  the  two,  gladdens  hearts 
When  their  souls  are  reposed. 


Drink  not  of  a  bottle 
That  has  sparkling  bubbles, 
This  habit  once  formed 
Means  a  world  of  trouble. 


52  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


MY  THOUGHTS  OF  YOU 

Here  are  my  thoughts 
Of  you,  little  friend, 
As  I  pass  your  gate 
And  gently  look  in. 

Your  rose-bloomed  face 
And  tender  smile 
To  any  one  living, 
They're  really  worth  while. 

You  always  seem  gay 

As  the  days  are  long, 

In  your  heart  there  must  hum 

A  sweet  love  song. 

This  tells  the  story 
Just  as  you  look, 
My  thoughts  of  you 
Will  be  in  a  book. 


GOOD  SPIRIT 

Oh!  dwell  with  me  good  spirit 
In  my  heart  let  there  ring 
Love  for  all  of  God's  creation 
Flow  from  my  lips  when  I  sing. 

Deep  in  my  heart 

Let  joy  be  known 

And  more  love  for  our  Father 

Whom  sitteth  on  the  throne. 


You  have  a  moment  to  think, 
And  an  hour  to  act,  this  reversed 
Could  mean  you  harm. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  53 


A  POET'S  POWER 

Sleep,  dearest  one,  sleep, 
May  you  dream  of  bright  fond  love 
This  poem  that  I  write  of  you 
Is  sent  from  the  heavens  above. 

And  o'er  you  will  soar  an  angel 

With  golden  wings,  'twill  fan  your  brow, 

My  love  for  you  in  heaven's  record, 

Be  humble  to  our  Savior  for  this  blessing  he  allows. 

This  angel  will  guide  you  o'er 

A  path  in  which  you  may  sin, 

But  let  our  tender  thoughts  be  of  each  other 

From  the  beginning  to  the  end. 

At  times  you  may  sit  and  wonder 

Why  you  want  me  dear, 

I  being  born  unfortunately  poor, 

But  the  power  in  my  writing  holds  you  near. 


ROUGH  ROAD 

My  heart  beats  weak 
But  my  thoughts  strong, 
Jogging  up  the  road  to  success, 
And  my  strength  has  left  me  so, 
But  I  never  stop  to  rest. 


We  are  born  in  this  world 

With  burdens  laid  out 

To  shoulder  as  the  years  go  by. 


54  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


A  POET'S  THOUGHTS 

A  poet's  thoughts  are  as  deep 
As  the  old  sad  sea, 
And  he  holds  love  for  his  work 
That  will  always  be. 

A  joy  to  his  heart 

That  comes  in  dreams,  sweet  dreams, 

And  he's  a  humble  fellow, 

Just  as  humble  as  he  seems. 

His  heart  is  very  tender 

And  this  is  easy  explained, 

For  he's  always  thinking 

To  relieve,  some  heart  of  it's  pain. 

Night  and  day  he  labors, 
With  gift  he  loves  so  well, 
And  when  he'll  ever  tire, 
Time,  can  only  tell. 


WHAT  WE  GET 

The  early  bird  gets  the  worm, 

The  wise  man  gets  the  money, 

Jack  Frost  gets  the  autumn  leaves, 

The  little  bee  gets  the  honey. 

The  working  man  gets  his  meals  (sometimes) 

The  doctor  gets  his  calls 

But  what's  the  use  in  worrying,  friends, 

The  graveyard  gets  us  all. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  55 


HIDDEN  THOUGHTS 

Isn't  it  hard  to  drive  back  your  feelings 

When  therein  shines  a  smile, 

For  the  one  whom  you  love  so  dearly, 

And  their  life  could  mean  you  worth  while. 

But  drive  it  back  secret  love, 

Into  a  day  of  darkness  and  rain, 

You  hold  the  wrath  of  deep  sighing, 

And  to  our  hearts,  you  bring  racking  pain. 

It  hangs  heavily  on  mind, 
And  its  stealing  what  nature  has  given. 
Oh !  why  does  fate,  with  this  bad  omen 
Hold  this  torturing,  in  which  we  live  ? 


THE  BEE  AND  THE  ROSE 

Good  bye,  honey  bee,  you  gathered  from  me 

Honey  the  whole  summer  long, 

But  autumn's  here  to  take  me  home. 

Now  I'll  lose  the  sound  of  your  song, 

But  go  to  your  nest 

And  dream  of  the  past. 

When  winter  goes  by 

Spring  returns  fast. 

Then  I'll  return,  too, 

And  open  my  buds, 

Then  the  loving,  tender  breeze, 

With  my  fragrance  will  flood. 


56  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


EASTER  GREETING 

(To  my  wife  Ruby) 

When  I  think  of  the  day 
That  we're  to  part, 
It  brings  a  deep  sigh 
That  weakens  my  heart. 

Then  it  leaves  my  mind 
So  roamsome  and  blue, 
For  there's  my  love 
In  memory  of  you. 

In  the  heart  of  these  roses 
With  their  petals  so  gay 
Is  my  love  most  tender, 
With  each  breath  they'll  spray. 

Here's  solemn  hopes 

With  love  so  true, 

May  these  roses  touch  your  heart 

Through  and  through. 

And  when  their  petals  wither 
To  blow  on  the  breeze, 
Remember  love  is  deeper 
Than  any  place  in  the  seas. 


A  DIFFERENCE 

We  are  strong  in  some  things 

And  weak  in  another; 

We  are  not  all  alike, 

There  is  a  difference  in  brothers. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  57 


MILDRED  AND  MARIE 

The  night  was  still, 
No  sounds  could  be  heard, 
But  soon  came  voices 
Sweet  as  a  bird. 

I  arose  from  my  bed 
To  find  who  it  could  be. 
Twas  my  deceased  sisters, 
Mildred  and  Marie. 

Oh !  how  beautiful 
Was  their  golden  wings, 
With  music  in  their  voices 
That  the  living  can't  sing. 

They  told  of  the  heavens 

So  sweetly  to  me, 

And  tell  mother  you  were  visited 

By  Mildred  and  Marie. 


LOVE  DREAM 

The  rose  of  my  life 
Were  in  bloom  it  seems, 
When  I  saw  your  face 
In  my  golden  dreams. 

It  cleansed  my  thoughts 

So  sweet  and  bright, 

I  ne'er  wanted  to  awake 

Out  of  my  slumbers  that  night. 


58  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


SADNESS 

Oh!  torturing  sadness,  why  burden  me  now? 

Hide  behind  those  unhappy  thoughts  that's  the  cause  of 

my  broken  vow, 

You  build  around  me  those  death  chilled  walls, 
Leaving  no  sunshine  in, 
But  fate  is  the  cause  in  letting  me  fall 
Deep  into  this  untold  sin. 

But  I'll  take  you  with  a  smile, 

It  matters  not  where'er  I  be 

I'll  stand  my  ground  like  a  man 

If  you're  rough  as  the  water  of  the  mad  rushing  sea. 


THERE  MUST  BE 

When  we  lie  down 
On  our  couch  to  rest, 
Our  conscience  must  be  clear 
To  be  heavenly  blessed. 

Then  smile,  oh  gentle  Savior, 
As  you  pass  on  into  sleep, 
Then  somewhere  in  slumber  land 
You  may  holy  creep. 

There  your  sins  are  washed  away, 
And  replaced  by  golden  wings, 
Oh,  think  what  you'll  enjoy 
To  hear  the  heaven's  choir  sing. 


Isn't  it  hard  to  give 

Your  heart  and  soul 

For  the  one  you'd  die  to  let  live, 

When  day  by  day  they  are  growing  cold. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  59 


MY  DAILY  PRAYER 

Oh,  Lord,  teach  me  from  day  to  day 

To  dwell  in  the  path 

Along  the  righteous  way. 

Remove  my  thoughts 

Of  riches  and  gold, 

For  this  so  many 

Have  traded  their  souls. 


THE  THOUGHT  OF  A  HUSBAND 

Each  moment  you  frown 
You're  stealing  from  your  life, 
And  at  times  you  break  the  heart 
Of  a  dear  sweet  wife. 


One's  greatest  fancy  is  a  smile 
And  love's  brightest  way  is  hope, 
Then  time's  golden  entrance  is  patience. 


Though  the  years  to  us  may  come  and  go, 
But  out  of  my  memory  ne'er  can  flow 
The  ring  I  gave  you  that  spoke  in  silence 
For  you  it  held  you,  but  for  me  violence. 


A  wicked  thought  is  easy  bought, 
But  values  nothing  in  gold. 
So  read  this  verse  between  times, 
And  let  righteousness  into  your  soul. 


60  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


MY  LIKES 

I  like  all  nature's  beauty, 

I  like  to  rove  the  wild  wood, 

My  heart  likes  to  hold  in  its  depth, 

I  like  only  thoughts  that  are  good. 

True  like  the  sun  does  shine, 
Aloud  like  the  bells  do  ring, 
Joy  like  my  heart  loves, 
It  likes  a  little  song  to  sing. 

Nice,  like  a  sweet  summer's  eve, 
Tender,  like  the  breezes  do  blow, 
My  heart  likes  to  love  some  one, 
It  likes  a  place  to  go. 

Who  likes  a  day  of  sorrow? 
Who  likes  untold,  displeasure? 
My  heart  likes  all  happiness, 
And  it  likes  a  real  full  measure. 

I  like  but  a  little  company, 
I  like  but  a  little  sight, 
My  heart  likes  to  be  at  ease, 
It  likes  to  feel,  what  I  write. 


TO  ALL 

In  your  heart 

Let  silence  find  a  place, 

Then  be  guided  by  your  conscience 

And  you're  always  safe. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  61 


UNACQUAINTED 

I'd  love  to  know 
Your  real  full  name. 
'Twould  be  pleasure  to  write 
Your  beauty  and  fame. 

I'd  write  on  the  value 
Of  you  in  which  1  hold, 
Why  it  could  ne'er  be  bought 
With  Rockefeller's  gold. 

Indeed  you're  a  blessing 
From  the  heavens  above, 
And  all  would  be  bright 
If  I  had  your  love. 

And  while  sweet  breezes  blow 
Over  life's  rough  way, 
I  could  sit  and  write  your  name 
In  my  humble  essays. 


A  SMILE 

Every  smiling  face, 

Or  even  jolly  motions, 

Doesn't  prove  that  one's  sorrows 

Are  not  deeper  than  the  ocean. 

But  there  is  great  value,  in  a  smile, 
It  can  save  a  poor  man's  life, 
When  I  go  home  it's  worth  while, 
For  I  meet  a  smiling  wife. 


62  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


MOTHER'S  DAY 

I  received  a  flower 
On  the  twelfth  of  May, 
It  was  a  token 
Of  Mother's  day. 

With  petals  snow-white 
And  fragrance  so  sweet, 
Thou  art  my  hope 
That  in  heaven  we'll  meet. 

My  mind  wandered  back 
In  a  childish  way 
My  soul  then  reposed! 
But  seemed  to  say: 

Oh !  the  spirit  spoke 

As  I  did  pray, 

In  the  heart  of  this  flower 

Shineth  Mother's  day. 


THE  BIRDS  THAT  SING  TO  ME 

All  nature  is  happy  this  morning, 
Oh !  how  they  welcome  the  beautiful  sun, 
And  those  silver-throated  fellows 
Gives  music  until  the  day  is  done. 

They  bring  to  my  heart  so  sweetly 
A  feeling  I  can  hardly  explain, 
That  travels  on  the  breezes  so  tender, 
With  such  a  soothing  refrain. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  63 


DREAM  OF  BYGONES 

The  peonies  are  in  bloom, 
Their  perfume  I  adore, 
Naught  keeps  me  from  dreaming 
Of  you  for  evermore. 

The  night  is  bright, 
The  dewdrops  fall, 
The  night  birds  sing 
With  a  distant  call. 

My  heart  then  beats 
In  throbbing  pain, 
My  eyes  in  tears, 
My  soul  is  strained. 

Come  tell  me,  dear, 
If  thy  love's  dead, 
Come  raise  me  then 
From  sorrow's  bed. 


WHENE'ER  CONSCIENCE  SPEAKS 

Have  you  given  this  a  thought, 
If  you  haven't  you  really  ought. 
This  is  what  we  all  should  know 
And  we  do  wrong  when  we  don't  go 
Whene'er  conscience  speaks. 

Every  man,  woman,  or  child 

When  nearing  trouble  or  something  vile, 

Should  gently  turn 

And  never  yearn 

Whene'er  conscience  speaks. 


64  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


THE  PLUCK  OF  A  POET 

For  my  little  humble  talent 
I  turn  thanks  to  our  God. 
Though  each  time  I  try  to  show  it 
I  meet  with  the  world  of  odds. 

Though  He  blessed  me  with  my  gift, 
And  He  will  bless  me  along  the  way, 
He  is  giving  me  love  and  wisdom 
And  He  will  bring  a  brighter  day. 

These  are  words  of  a  poor  poet, 
And  what  I  write  is  true, 
I  long  to  go  before  the  world 
To  try  and  show  what  I  can  do. 

If  one  could  only  see  me  now, 

My  lips  are  numb,  shows  sorrow  deep. 

This  is  after  my  daily  labor 

That  these  thoughts  through  my  mind  does  creep. 

God  gives  me  strength  to  work, 
To  earn  my  daily  bread, 
Then  revives  me  for  my  writing 
To  show  that  my  blood  is  red. 


Why  swell  up  o'er  talent 

Or  activeness  of  brain? 

God  giveth  and  he  taketh 

As  easy  as  it  twinkles  down  rain. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  65 


LIFE  PLAIN  AS  DAY 

Life  lays  out  its  happiness  and  sorrows, 

You're  to  choose  either  for  to-day  or  to-morrow, 

We  can  be  happy  our  whole  life  through 

In  regarding  our  company  and  the  things  we  do. 

Let  the  other  fellow  think  what  he  will  or  may, 

I'll  choose  happiness,  it  really  pays. 

Life  holds  a  beauty  that  shineth  like  gold, 

Seek  it  while  you're  young,  don't  wait  to  get  old. 

Day  by  day  it  comes  to  us  all, 

So  fly  not  so  high,  remember  your  fall. 

One  moment  we're  up  and  the  next  we're  down, 

Try  to  take  the  ladder  without  a  frown. 

For  our  lives  are  planned  out  with  time  and  space 

And  we  are  truly  guided  by  an  unseen  face. 

The  blossoms  of  life  has  petals  so  dear; 

Then  deal  with  them  gently  and  handle  with  care, 

There's  like  the  rose  in  the  garden  that  blooms, 

That  gives  to  the  breeze  their  wafted  perfume, 

But  the  way  the  frost  makes  its  petals  fly 

This  teaches  us  that  we  all  must  die. 


ONE  SAD  MORN 

In  a  lonely  little  village 
Was  the  tolling  of  a  bell. 
Deep  in  our  hearts 
A  sad  story  it  tells. 

Deceased  our  dear,  old  general 
Who  fought  with  heart  so  brave, 
In  honor  of  our  land  and  country, 
And  stars  and  stripes  to  save. 


66  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


MY  VIEW 

A  poor  shabby  boy; 
But  an  ambitious  poet, 
And  in  most  appealing  way 
He'd  love  for  the  world  to  know  it. 

For  now  he  sits  and  dreams 
Of  which  he  can't  depart, 
And  deep  in  his  soul  lies 
That  beautiful  hidden  art. 

God  gives  him  the  power 

And  a  clean  mind  to  compose, 

He  gathers  beauties  from  an  unseen  garden, 

Where  he  dwells  when  his  soul  is  reposed. 

He  has  a  high  standard  in  thought 
As  the  richest  man  of  the  day, 
And  wears  a  smile,  though  destitute 
For  this  is  just  his  way. 


THE  FADING  ROSES 

Here  lies  the  roses  that's  fading  away, 

With  their  memories  of  a  brighter  day; 

Just  like  the  heat,  are  withering  them  dear, 

The  loss  of  your  love  brings  sorrow  and  care. 

These  roses  go  back  to  nature's  review, 

They'll  regain  their  lives  and  bloom  anew, 

But  if  my  poor  heart  could  be  repaired 

With  kindness  of  nature  which  roses  are  shared 

'Twould  remove  all  sorrow  and  enter  sweet  refrain 

Then  my  heart  would  bud  and  bloom  again. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  67 


FOR  A  WHILE 

Could  there  ever  be  a  day 
That  sorrow  will  cease  and  blow  away, 
May  it  travel  to  parts  to  me  unknown, 
That  my  heart  have  back  a  feeling  of  its  own 
For  a  while. 

My  heart  has  never  quit  its  pining, 
Each  thought  brings  a  silver  lining, 
And  if  you  were  near 
'Twould  ease  my  care 

For  a  while. 

No  one  knows  why  I  sigh, 

It's  love  in  my  heart  that  cannot  die, 

Though  now  I  regret 

But  cannot  forget 

For  a  while. 

Now  it  seems  like  wasted  years 
To  intermix  with  my  bitter  tears, 
Though  I've  prayed  to  our  God  above 
That  He  may  return  my  only  love. 
For  a  while. 

The  beautiful  stars  in  their  glory 
Has  ceased  to  tell  love's  sweet  story, 
They  hide  from  me  behind  the  clouds; 
Will  some  one  love  me  if  my  head  is  bowed? 
For  a  while. 


There's  nothing  more  beautiful  than  a  smile 
If  it's  really  meant  from  the  heart. 


68  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


HEARTS  THAT  ARE  TRUE 

Love  when  young  and  tender 
Should  pick  its  place  to  go; 
Beware  of  hearts  that  deceive 
For  there,  'twill  cease  to  grow. 

Then  hearts  that  are  true 
Beat  just  as  one, 
With  a  soulful  tender  feeling, 
Till  love's  bright  day  is  done. 

Hearts  that  are  true, 

And  when  they  cross  the  river  of  Jordan 

To  answer  to  their  rights  and  wrongs, 

That  sweet  word  love  will  be  in  golden  letters 

And  will  be  sung  in  a  beautiful  song. 


MY  LOVE  FOR  YOU 

How  can  I  forget 

What  I  have  to  regret 

When  there  in  my  dreams 

It  just  flows  in  streams 

And  tells  a  story  so  true, 

That's  making  me  feel  blue, 

Why  it's  my  love,  my  love  for  you. 

Your  eyes,  with  beauty  so  rare, 

No  diamond  could  shine  as  fair. 

But  I'll  watch  and  pray 

For  that  sweet  day  in  May. 

So  return  your  love  anew, 

You  have  mine  and  it  is  all  for  you. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  69 


MY  LOVE 

My  work  for  my  race 

Will  always  be 

Tireless  toil 

To  make  them  proud  of  me. 

Now  if  we  all  work 

To  this  one  point, 

Strong  will  be  our  union, 

No  nation  could  break  the  joint. 

Just  think !  of  all  of  us  trying 
To  make  one  another  proud, 
Why  the  little  stars  in  their  glory 
Would  almost  speak  aloud. 

Then  they'd  shine  brighter  and  brighter, 
And  with  love,  they'd  light  the  way, 
For  the  race  that  is  loving  to  each  other 
There  is  sure  to  come  a  better  day. 


EVE  DROPPER 

The  rose  that  bloomed 
On  veranda  side, 
Heard  love's  sweet  story 
When  first  untied. 

These  hearts  traveled 
Through  the  distant  years, 
To  join  each  other 
In  their  sighs  and  tears. 


70  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


MY  DEAR  RELOVED  MOTHER 

Reside  me  walks  an  unseen  face 

That  guides  me  daily  from  place  to  place, 

And  has  love  for  rue,  like  that  of  no  other, 

This  guide,  tender  guide,  is  my  dear  beloved  mother. 

She  goes  with  me  through  rain  or  shine, 

Like  the  fortunate  leads  the  unfortunate  blind, 

And  when  I  am  lonely  for  a  sister  or  brother, 

There's  the  cheering  thoughts  of  my  dear  beloved  mother. 

Of  course  she's  in  the  spirit  land, 

Rut  she  walks  with  me  daily  hand  in  hand, 

And  when  I'm  asleep  she's  o'er  my  bed, 

That  sin  may  go  no  farther. 

Now  this  teaches  us  of  that  mighty  love 

We  have  in  a  dear  beloved  mother. 


HIS  LAST  HOUR 

Oh !  mighty  Savior, 

Cometh  my  last  day, 

And  the  sound  of  the  golden  trumpet 

My  sins  bloweth  away. 

Glory  to  thy  name 
As  I  breathe  my  last  breath, 
Repenteth  all  whom  love  him  now, 
Not  at  the  door  of  death. 

Each  and  every  moment 

His  name  to  me  is  all 

Those  whom  are  standing  by  my  dying  bed, 

Remember  the  trumpet's  last  call. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  71 


IF  I  DARE 

I'll  sing  a  little  song 
Of  you  dear  one, 
'Twill  be  long  as  the  day 
And  bright  like  the  sun 
If  I  dare. 

I'll  gather  from  the  garden 
This  big  red  rose 
To  kiss  your  cheeks 
While  sweet  breezes  blow 
If  I  dare. 

Your  face  is  ne'er  out  of  my  dreams 
Deep  in  my  heart  sweet  memories  bring, 
Oh !  I  will  love  you,  dear,  you  only, 
Till  death  with  bitterness  bring 
If  I  dare. 

My  mind  is  with  you 
Though  my  eyes  are  in  tears, 
My  heart  is  being  pierced 
With  Cupid's  golden  spear, 
But  yet  I'd  return 

If  I  dare. 


Oh !  how  sad  with  you 
Were  my  past, 
The  present  was  sweet 
So  long  as  it  lasts. 


72  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


JUST  NOW 

No  one  knows,  and  no  one  sees, 
No  one  gives  my  heart  any  ease, 
Just  now. 

If  I  could  speak  to  the  one  I  love 

My  heart  would  lose  that  feeling  that  makes  me  mourn 
like  a  dove, 

Just  now. 

Once  you  shadowed  me  in  my  dreams, 
But  that,  too,  is  gone  it  really  seems, 
Just  now. 

The  years  are  bringing  my  sorrow  fast 
And  my  wakeful  nights  won't  come  to  their  last, 
Just  now. 


THE  VOICE  OF  A  ROSE 

The  rose  that  spoke 
To  her  dying  soul 
Is  the  rose  ne'er  let 
Our  love  grow  cold. 

With  each  breath 
She'd  sigh  and  say, 
This  rose  tells  me 
There's  a  brighter  day. 

And  when  that  rose 
Begins  to  die, 
She'd  kiss  its  petals, 
Then  tenderly  cry. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  73 


A  PHOTO 

If  I  only  had  a  photo 

Of  my  happy  days 

To  hang  on  this  wall  of  misery, 

That's  weakening  my  better  ways. 

Oh!  come,  oh!  gentle  vision, 
Of  long,  long  ago, 
And  make  that  happy  picture 
That  I  once  use  to  know. 

Paint  those  beautiful  eyes, 

That  did  always  shine 

And  liven  my  trembling  lips 

That  they  taught  to  speak  words  unkind. 

Why  my  lips  us  to  part 
With  a  loving,  tender  smile, 
But  those  days  are  stolen 
That  meant  me  life  worth  while. 


GOOD  FATE 

On  a  dark  and  stormy  night 

Far  ahead  shined  a  little  light, 

It  was  a  warning 

With  sorrow  dawning, 

For  the  train  that  approached. 

Fastly  into  sight 

Towards  the  bridge  that  held  ill  fate 

The  flagman  awakened  but  a  moment  to  late, 

For  there  flowed  through  a  madly  stream 

Lifting  the  bridge  clear  off  its  beam. 

All  in  a  moment  the  engine  ran  out  of  steam 

And  spying  there  ahead  no  light  could  be  seen. 

Speaking  to  the  fireman  the  engineer  said, 

It's  a  heavenly  blessing  our  engine  ran  dead. 


74  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


SPRINGTIME 

The  birds  are  singing 
While  nature  is  bringing, 
All  of  its  beauty  to  show. 
The  little  wild  flowers 
With  sunshine  and  showers 
Are  the  things  that  we  love  so. 

They  gladden  our  hearts 
And  strengthen  our  souls, 
Making  life  seem  young 
To  those  growing  old. 

There's  the  beautiful  budding 
Of  the  dogwood  trees, 
It's  a  shaking  and  waking 
For  the  little  honey  bees. 

To  let  them  know 

That  nature  brought  back 

With  a  whole  summer's  sweetness 

In  her  blossoms  its  packed. 


MY  HEAVENLY  THOUGHTS 

Oh!  heavenly  Father, 

To  our  souls  give  mirth, 

Let  dwell  with  us  no  evil  spirit 

While  on  this  sinful  earth. 

Strengthen  our  weak  and  humble  minds, 

Through  our  hearts  let  righteousness  flow, 

Keep  us  away  from  worldly  things, 

For  when  Thou  call  we're  sure  to  go. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  75 


A  POET'S  PIER 

A  humble  but  ambitious  poet 
That  writes  on  the  beauties  of  life, 
Is  brilliantly  guided  onwards 
By  the  love  of  his  dear  sweet  wife. 

In  each  and  every  thought 

She  is  truly  his  golden  pier. 

She  leads  him  on  to  untold  success 

Where  he  enjoys  a  brighter  career. 

Into  a  garden  of  roses 
Where  soft  breezes  blow, 
There  she's  always  near  him 
To  let  his  sweeter  thoughts  flow. 

To  her  he  gathers  and  gives 

A  beautiful  big  pink  rose, 

To  show  that  his  love's  still  burning, 

And  for  her  it  could  ne'er  repose. 

And  when  he  awakens  out  of  his  dreams 

There  is  music  to  her  ears, 

For  all  the  poems  that  he  writes 

He  reads  to  his  wifey  dear. 


WELCOME  SPRING 

On  comes  spring 
With  its  loving  breeze 
Soon  there's  the  budding 
Of  the  flowers  and  trees. 

How  my  heart  swells 
When  they  begin  to  peep, 
For  I  know  they're  back 
From  their  long  winter's  sleep. 


76  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


MY  RUBY  MONTROSE 

As  I  sit  and  dream 
On  the  water  side, 
My  mind  is  traveling 
Like  the  high  rolling  tide. 
No  matter  how  fast 
Or  where  it  goes 
With  it  my  thoughts 
Of  my  Ruby  Montrose. 

No  matter  how  dark 
And  stormy  the  night, 
My  mind  still  wanders 
By  my  strong  lovelight 
Holding  a  secret 
That  nobody  knows, 
And  guided  by  the  thought 
Of  my  Ruby  Montrose. 

Now  I've  gained  her  love  renown, 

The  world  will  smile  and  cease  to  frown. 

The  summer  breeze  that  always  blows 

Will  refreshen  the  love  of  my  Ruby  Montrose. 

I  ne'er  grow  tired  of  the  words  I  write, 

They  are  my  soul  and  my  heart's  delight. 

They  hold  more  sweetness  than  any  flower  that  grows, 

For  in  them's  the  thought  of  my  Ruby  Montrose. 


BEAUTY  AND  UGLY 

When  beauty  fades  away 

Ugly  approaches  soon, 

But  when  ugly  fades  away 

Our  place  is  lost  beneath  the  moon. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  77 


THE  BLESSING  OF  GOD 

Close  not  thy  door 

To  the  blessing  of  God, 

Just  e'er  be  humble 

And  spare  the  rod. 

And  when  you  see  a  friend 

Downhearted  and  cold 

Longing  for  the  warmth 

Of  a  spirited  soul, 

Just  open  the  heart. 

Though  it  may  seem  odd, 

But  to  you  will  come  the  blessings 

Of  our  own  God. 

No  link  or  links  tighter  ties 

Than  those  that  are  blending  to  the  human  lives, 

Quote  this  to  memory  to  have  and  to  hold, 

And  liven  up  the  spirit  when  you're  grown  old, 

And  when  on  earth  you're  done 

Then  you  can  rest  beneath  the  sod, 

For  your  door  was  always  open 

To  the  blessings  of  God. 


SIXTY-ONE 

Down  on  the  southern  plantation, 

From  sixty-one  on  back 

Our  forefathers  were  shackled  in  slavery, 

And  lived  in  huts  and  shacks, 

But  this  shows  they're  loyal 

Hum,  a  negro  as  you  glance, 

But  their  grandsons  are  answering  the  roll  call 

Somewhere  in  France. 


78  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


A  VISION  FROM  THE  FIRESIDE 

Before  the  fire  at  night 

When  all  was  quite  still, 

I  had  nature's  sweetest  dream,  * 

And  its  beautiful  old  green  hills. 

Oh !  that  lovely  photo, 
That  appeared  in  the  little  blue  blaze 
Showed  summer  with  all  its  beauty 
And  how  the  cattle  used  to  graze. 

Then  came  a  sigh, 
Though  followed  by  a  smile, 
For  the  summer's  balmy  breeze 
Made  me  feel  like  a  child. 

But  dashed  against  the  window 
The  chilly  howling  winds 
That  takes  my  vision  in  a  snowdrift 
And  how  my  heart  does  pine. 


THORNY  LOVE 

There's  a  vision  of  your  well  known  face, 

Shining  like  my  love  that's  gone  to  waste. 

I  see  your  smiles  as  natural  now, 

And  the  way  I  loved  you,  for  you  taught  me  how. 

Now  I'm  in  a  path  that  usually  leads 

Down  to  degradation. 

My  poor  heart  bleeds 

When  I  think  of  our  separation. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  79 


THE  BATTLE  OF  HEARTS 

Ojir  hearts  have  met 
On  the  battlefield  of  love, 
Cupid  is  our  general 
In  his  aeroplane  above. 

But  my  poor  heart's 
Crying  for  peace, 
My  love  for  you 
Could  ne'er  decease. 

And  if  fate  guides  the  battle 
So  our  hearts  doesn't  blend, 
Just  picture  how  sad 
Will  be  the  end. 


TO  REMIND  YOU 

Just  a  tender  missive  dear 
As  the  days  are  drifting  by, 
And  oh !  I  see  your  smiling  face 
When  e'er  I  look  into  the  sky. 


JUST  TO  REMIND  YOU 

Smiles  always  gladden  my  heart 

As  the  years  come  and  go; 

And  should  I  be  the  longest  liver 

They'll  ne'er  be  buried  beneath  the  snow. 


One  day  of  sorrow 
To  a  brilliant  and  happy  mind 
Tears  down  its  concrete  thoughts 
To  sail  the  ocean  of  brine. 


80  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


THE  SINKING  SHIP 

The  winds  howled  o'er 

The  dashing  sea, 

The  ship  was  foundered 

At  half  past  three. 

The  captain  yelled, 

Life  boats  lowered! 

There  was  a  noise 

Like  a  cannon  roar, 

'Twas  the  boilers  burst  below. 

Then  said  the  captain 

Brave  but  slow, 

It's  to  late,  boys, 

We  all  must  go. 


SPRING'S  EASTER  LILY 

(To  my  wife  Ruby) 

By  the  walk  way  grew 
Spring's  Easter  lily 
Wet  with  the  morning  dew, 
But  with  love  I  gave  to  Billy. 

Now  there  is  your  petals  nice  and  yellow 
And  rich  as  the  dripping  of  gold. 
So  why  are  you  lonely,  little  fellow, 
You've  won  me,  heart  and  soul. 

Would  you  love  to  be  a  little  present 
And  one  that  isn't  silly 
To  the  sweetest  little  pheasant 
My  dearest,  darling  Billy. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  81 


MY  SHIP  OF  THOUGHTS 

Anchored  deep  in  mid  ocean 
Are  my  ship  of  thoughts, 
I  should  sail  out  and  get  them, 
That's  just  what  I  ought. 

For  once  they  run  smooth 
With  calmness  of  the  sea, 
Bringing  all  of  love's  beauty 
Back  home  to  me. 

In  a  mad  rushing  storm, 
But  she  would  stand  as  brave, 
When  each  flash  of  lightning 
Showed  the  depth  of  her  grave. 

There's  no  lighthouse 
To  guide  her  in, 
Nor  to  raise  her  anchor 
From  the  wages  of  sin. 


THE  SOUL  OF  A  BUD 

A  darling  little  maiden 

So  sweet,  so  fair, 

With  tiny  dimples 

And  beauty  so  rare, 

But  I  wonder  if  goodness  knows 

If  she  e'er  could  repose. 

From  the  sweet  loving  manner 

She  gave  me  this  rose, 

Now  this  tiny  little  bud 

Seems  to  whisper  in  my  ear, 

Saying  hearts  of  hearts  with  tenderness 

To  one  another  are  dear. 


82  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


ONE'S  NEXT  BEST  FRIEND 

I  was  lost  in  the  valley 
All  veiled  with  fog, 
Back  o'er  the  hill 
Was  a  howl  of  a  dog. 
He  was  doing  his  bit 
In  trying  to  keep  peace, 
For  his  dear  old  master 
Had  just  deceased. 
In  that  old  cabin 
Was  a  dear  little  child; 
The  wolves  rushed  around 
Madly  and  wild. 
On  came  the  morn, 
But  I'd  grown  pale. 
The  sun  came  up  and 
Removed  the  veil. 
Then  I  jogged  along 
O'er  the  bumpy  ground, 
I  stopped  at  this  cabin 
And  there  I  found 
A  wonderful  baby! 
With  eyes  so  bright 
'Twould  light  the  way 
Through  the  darkest  night. 
From  under  the  bed 
Came  a  grunt  of  a  hog, 
I  knelt  and  found 
'Twas  that  little  dog. 


CREATION 

We  are  all  created  by  our  Father  above 
And  one's  no  better  than  the  other 
When  we  keepeth  His  command. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  83 


HUMIN  TU  DE  AIR 

Raifield,  yo  aks  like  a  ole  time  barh 

Round  heah  a  studen  al  in  despah; 

No  Ise  humin  tu  de  air. 

Stah  clean  awafum  dat  pot  uv  mine, 

Gaus  when  dah's  wok  yo's  hard  tu  find. 

Well,  sur;  ef  he  ain't  eten  my  pie  I  du  dcclah, 

I  ges  yo  call  dat  a  humin  tu  de  air. 

Yes,  I  members  de  uder  dah 

When  Lindy  Jones  wus  don  dis  wah 

An  yo  all  had  a  powful  lot  tu  say, 

Caus  I  no's  she  am  purty  an  mity  fair, 

But  yo'll  lose  yo  home  ef  dats  humin  tu  de  air. 

Now  I  want  yo  tu  tucker  an  lef  me  go, 

An  don't  yo  nebber  cros  my  doah. 

Yawll  goner  make  one  hungry  pair 

Caus  yo  can't  make  a  libben  humin  tu  de  air. 


IN  MY  THOUGHTS  OF  YOU 

Now  I  sit  and  look  in  space 

My  brightest  hopes  has  gone  to  waste, 

The  rose  of  my  dreams 

Won't  bloom  it  seems 

While  my  mind's  anchored  deep 

In  my  thoughts  of  you. 

No  one  knows  how  my  heart  does  ache, 
No  one  sees  my  nights  of  wake. 
The  moon  is  hidden  behind  the  clouds, 
The  stars  peep  through  an  all  dark  shroud 
In  my  thoughts  of  you. 


84  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


MY  DEAREST  DARLING  RUBY 

Fate  had  lost  my  treasure 

In  the  valley  of  dehuby, 

Time  led  on  and  there  I  found 

My  dearest,  darling  Ruby. 

All  my  days  I  hunted  in  vain 

Through  ice,  sleet,  snow  and  rain. 

And  on  the  darkest  day, 

This  was  my  pay, 

My  dearest,  darling  Ruby. 

Only  death  can  part  us  dear, 

If  away  a  moment  it  seems  like  a  year, 

Life  for  me  would  ne'er  be  bright, 

The  stars  would  fail  to  shine  at  night 

Without  my  dearest,  darling,  Ruby. 


HERE  AND  THERE 

Here's  the  rose,  that  bloomed  in  the  spring, 
There's  its  petals  flying. 
Here's  my  heart,  that  wants  your  love, 
There  like  that  flower,  it  is  dying. 

Here's  to  a  day,  and  its  sunshine, 
There  to  east  is  a  cloud, 
There  in  a  moment,  it  could  hide  the  sun. 
Here  all  nature's  heads,  will  be  bowed. 

Here's  my  thoughts  of  yesterday, 
There's  my  thoughts  of  tomorrow, 
Here  the  ladder  shows  a  brightness, 
There  goes  sorrow. 


Look  on  both 

The  bright  and  dark  side  of  life 

And  there  your  faults  may  be  found. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  85 


ONE  SWEET  DREAM 

In  looking  way  ahead 
Into  the  distant  time 
So  beautiful  is  my  thoughts 
If  I  can  make  them  rhyme. 

Long  beside  the  road 
Is  a  bungalow  for  two, 
In  my  wonderful  vision 
Twas  built  for  me  and  you. 

My  heart  was  the  hammer, 
My  soul  clinched  the  nails, 
'Twas  finished  with  my  love 
To  withstand  the  on  coming  gale. 


DARLING  EDNA  MAY 

(To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Poindexter) 

How  sad  was  this  Christmas, 
Though  for  some  'twas  a  happy  day, 
But  mourns  a  mother  and  father 
For  their  darling  Edna  May. 

But  she's  gone  on  into  glory 

To  soar  the  golden  way, 

She  knows  no  sorrow  like  mother  and  father 

For  their  darling  Edna  May. 

Though  on  and  on  through  the  distant  years, 
When  mother  and  father  are  old  and  gray, 
Christmas  brings  saddest  memories 
Of  their  darling  Edna  May. 


86  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


LIFE'S  PRETTY  WAY 

Oh!  how  nice 

When  the  sun  is  shining  bright, 

To  take  a  long  walk 

While  breezes  blow  light. 

It  revives  your  soul, 
Your  heart  is  gay 
Strolling  the  road 
Of  life's  pretty  way. 

You'll  walk  on  the  grass 
So  beautiful  and  green, 
And  gone  art  your  memories 
Of  the  past  winter's  scene. 

You'll  enjoy  all  the  love 
In  this  bright  summer's  day, 
Wandering  the  road 
Of  life's  pretty  way. 


RAS  BAYLEM'S  SPEECH 

Ladies  an  gentlems,  fello  citisans,  it  behooves  me  wid  de 

mostest  ux  tudigrad 
To  stood  be  fo  sich  coteligent  audance,  dat  it  makes  me 

base  my  talk,  down 
Around  John's  tato-pach  about  de  third  or  de  fouf  hill, 

am,  am,  am. 

We  am  interin  de  war  at  de  mos  critical  time, 
And  I  want  all  yo  colored  citisans  tu  fall  rite  in  line, 
Don't  bother  den  slackers  cause  yo  nearin'  dangers  do, 
Dis  am  de  only  country  dat  any  uv  us  know. 
Stah  wah  dem  Germans  cause  dah  puts  foolness  in  yo 

head, 
Gis  reach  up  an  kiss  O  Glorie  an  wish  de  Kaiser  am  dead. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  87 


MY  DREAM 

I  thought  I'd  forgotten  you,  dearie, 
But  you  returned  in  my  golden  dream. 
The  distant  years  faded  you  in  person, 
But  again  you're  fresh  in  memory  it  seems. 

Just  like  the  rose  wants  morning  dew, 

That's  how  my  dream  makes  me  want  you. 

Cruel  fate  and  time  has  drifted  us  apart, 

I  smile  on  the  world,  but  no  one  knows  my  heart. 

Oh !  let  me  dream  both  night  and  day, 
That  I  may  dream  my  sorrows  away 
Into  a  land  of  passing  breeze 
To  give  my  heart  one  moment's  ease. 


A  SAILOR'S  FATE 

Lowered  deep  was  the  anchor 

As  the  waves  rolled  high, 

With  thought  of  loved  ones 

Between  each  sigh. 

This  was  their  minds 

As  they  gazed  into  the  sky, 

Making  peace  with  their  Savior, 

For  they  knew  they  had  to  die. 

Have  mercy  on  us,  Lord,  as  we  pray  to  Thee 

Save  us  as  we're  descending  down, 

Let  us  go  not,  without  the  holy  ground. 


Glad  hearts  often 
Through  broken  hearts  ring, 
To  teach  the  voice 
A  little  song  to  sing. 


88  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


AT  EVE 

From  behind  the  clouds 
Peeps  the  golden  sun, 
To  kiss  the  rose, 
Because  the  day  is  done. 


SHE  SAID.    THEN  HE  SAID  THE  REST 

Oh!  my  lovely  walk, 
Down  love's  shady  way, 
The  birds  soft,  sweet  singing 
Adds  beauty  to  the  day. 


TRUE 

Have  you  ever  stopped  to  think,  my  friend, 

Of  your  simple  life  from  beginning  to  end. 

It  pays  us  now  to  pull  with  strife 

For  youth  comes  but  once  in  life. 

There's  two  paths  up  and  down  the  hill 

To  seek  one  or  the  other  is  your  own  free  will. 


CUPID 

The  moment  I  saw 
Your  dear  sweet  face, 
Cupid  with  its  arrow 
Took  its  place. 


Be  not-  discouraged  over  life's  hard  struggle, 

Have  brighter  thoughts  and  discouragement  shrugs. 


MY  VALUED  RUBY  89 


MY  THOUGHTS  OF  IT 

Love  is  a  link,  a  connector  of  hearts, 
Allow  no  one  to  tear  it  apart. 
It's  a  food  for  heart,  soul  and  mind, 
True  love  is  ever  blind. 


THE  THOUGHT  OF  A  CHILD 

Train  your  children  manners  and  behavior 
While  around  the  cradle  they  creep, 
Then  good  tidings  will  ever  follow  them 
After  you  sleep  in  the  deep. 

A  GENIUS 

On  yonder  hill  sits  a  genius 

In  heaven's  guiding  hand, 

That  pours  his  thoughts  just  as  he  writes 

His  power  is  God  not  man. 

FOR  MY  HEART 

When  the  heart  is  crippled 
And  the  soul  cannot  be  raised, 
Just  think  of  dear  old  mother 
That's  the  spark  that  lights  the  blaze. 

ROUND  BY  ROUND 

Just  a  word  of  consolation 
While  I  dream  night  and  day, 
Will  help  me  climb  the  ladder  of  fame 
Though  the  top  is  far  away. 

A  THOUGHT  WE  SHOULD  HAVE 

My  heart  at  times  loses  a  beat, 
But  the  trouble  will  ne'er  be  known, 
For  I  have  that  much  mother  wit 
Each  tub  has  a  bottom  of  its  own. 


90  MY  VALUED  RUBY 


It's  easy  to  be  good  in  life, 
But  hard  to  be  faultless. 


Good  thoughts  on  the  mind 
Should  lie  deep  in  the  heart. 


So  bountifully  in,  flows  the  word  keep  peace. 
Dare  not  e'er  to  intrude. 


A  man  who  smiles  through  the  deepest  of  sorrow 
To  his  own  heart  adds  a  value  untold. 


YC142506 


APR  69 

N.  MANCHESTER, 
INDIANA 


